I've been the main caregiver for my first grandchild for 11 years now. Lately I've been feeling shortchanged. Having raised three of my own children and having gone through all the challenges as every parent does, I felt like it's my time to be free of all responsibilities. I've done my time and I now deserve to enjoy my freedom. I began resenting this child who loves me and looks to me for love and comfort; but I was failing her terribly. Before Matt's sermon I was saying, "I love you but you're not helping here, or I love but you're making it harder to care for you." These are absolutely NOT what children want to hear. After the sermon, I said, "I love you and I'm not giving up on you. I'm here for the long haul so we're just going to try our best to work together." Nothing has changed much on her end, she's still bratty, but I feel less sorry for myself and that leaves me with the ability to stay the coarse. God help us all.
