The Trials and Tribulations of Being a Parent

My husband and I are in the process of discerning God’s will for our family for the years ahead.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary gives the following definition for discern:

Pronunciation: di-'s&rn, -'z&rnFunction: verbEtymology: Middle English,
from Middle French discerner, from Latin discernere to separate, distinguish
between, from dis- apart + cernere to sift -- more at DIS-, CERTAINDate:
14th centurytransitive senses

1 a : to detect with the eyes b : to detect with
senses other than vision

2 : to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : DISCRIMINATE

3 : to come to know or recognize mentallyintransitive senses : to see or
understand the difference- dis·cern·er noun- dis·cern·ible also dis·cern·able
/-'s&r-n&-b&l, -'z&r-/ adjective- dis·cern·ibly /-blE/
adverb

We WANT to detect with the eyes and the senses … to recognize or identify … to come to know or recognize mentally what God would have us do.

We have two choices that are loming large. The two options we have are mutually exclusive – that is, if we do one, we can’t do the other. Both would be good for the family – one a little better in some respects, the other a little better in other respects. Our family is made up of different ages ... different personalities ... different hopes and dreams. The two choices will affect each family member differently. We no longer need to just worry about each other -- we have to include our children's concerns in our decision. Both options are gambles. Both affecting our lives from here on out – a question of location and vocation.

We are on the road that Robert Frost talks about:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both ….

Please pray with us as we continue to discern our family’s future.

And HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!