No Two Alike
June 30, 2022 by Hally Franz
Filed under Daily Devotions
By Hally Franz –
Every day I am reminded of how different my two children are from one another. We have both a biological child and an adopted child, but I think this is something most parents observe even among biological siblings.
My son is serious-minded and independent, a bit of a loner. He loves anything old from classic movies and music to antique farm equipment. My daughter, on the other hand, is very social and a pleaser. She is more playful than responsible, a lover of trends. I recognize the benefits and pitfalls of both their personality types.
I once heard someone say that “equal is not always fair.” I think the expression was used in the context of education, but it applies to parenting as well. Treating my children the same is not always the right thing to do. What might be right for one, may not serve the best interests of the other. That’s yet another challenge of parenting—each child requires something different in terms of discipline, opportunity and counsel along the way.
I have two children, and, at times, I feel inadequate when I see mothers of four, five and more children managing their large families with grace and proficiency. However, the Lord blessed us with two, and they have managed to keep their father and I plenty busy.
Our Heavenly Father has how many children? Billions? He knows what each and every one of us needs. He is aware of our uniqueness, because he made us. And, He knows what lessons I need to learn, what weaknesses and gifts I have, what experiences will help me grow in faith. He has a handle on it all.
What a comfort it is to know that our Lord is constantly looking out for the best interests of all His children, even while we parents strive and struggle to know how best to handle ours.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please guide me each day in the rearing of my children. Help me to provide them with the training and tools they need to build happy, Christian lives and families.
“The Father has loved us so much! This shows how much he loved us: We are called children of God. And we really are his children. But the people in the world don’t understand that we are God’s children, because they have not known him” (1 John 3:1 ERV).
Hally Franz writes about her observations on family and faith, parenting and people. She is a former high school guidance counselor, turned stay-at-home mom. Hally and husband Tim will celebrate twenty years of marriage this year, and have two teens. She is a 4-H leader and band mom, serves as her church secretary and as a Bible class teacher. Hally enjoys traveling with her family and participating in monthly book club meetings with her pals.