The other day, my son was having a full-on meltdown. Big feelings, full drama, the works. And I was right on the edge of losing it – something I wish I could say didn’t happen often.

But in that moment, it hit me. This is me. This is me with God every single day. And God never loses it on me. He’s patient. He’s kind. He holds space for my chaos. So who am I to lash out at my son when I’ve been given more grace than I’ll ever be asked to give?

That’s what this episode is about. The ways parenting has flipped the script on how I see God, his patience, his discipline, his no’s, and the way he shows up when we’re acting like straight-up toddlers.

My Parenting Isn’t Perfect But It’s Taught Me a Lot

For those who don’t know, I’m a single mom to an incredible little boy who just turned 11. He’s on the autism spectrum, and last year, I found out I am too. We both have ADHD, which makes for a wild but beautiful life. And one of the prayers I keep repeating is, “God, make me the mom you’ve called me to be.”

What he keeps showing me in return? How patient he is. How impatient I am. And how learning to parent with more patience is shaping not just how I mother, but how I follow Jesus.

What Feels Small to Us Isn’t Small to Them

Kids freak out about things that seem minuscule to us, a broken candy cane, the wrong color dinner plate, a screen time boundary. It’s easy to dismiss their reactions, but the truth is, that broken crayon feels like their entire world.

And that’s how we show up to God. We lose it over situations that, from his eternal perspective, are just a blip. And yet, he doesn’t roll his eyes. God doesn’t dismiss us. He holds space for our panic. He comforts and listens.

Just like we need to remember our kids don’t see the full picture, we have to remember – we don’t either.

Obedience Isn’t About Understanding

My son doesn’t always understand why I say no, why certain boundaries exist, or why I ask him to do things. Sometimes I’ve explained it a hundred times, and he still doesn’t get it. But at the end of the day, I don’t need him to understand the why. I need him to trust the who.

That’s what God is asking of us.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). That’s not just a pretty verse. It’s a lifeline when obedience feels hard and we’re tempted to take control.

Discipline Isn’t Punishment, It’s Protection

When my son was younger, he had no impulse control. He’d run into the street, and I’d have to physically hold him back. I couldn’t explain the danger in a way his brain could process. So I set the boundary. I kept him close. And to an outsider, it looked like I was being too strict. But they didn’t see the near-misses. They didn’t see what I saw.

God does the same with us. The doors that don’t open, the seasons of silence, the unanswered prayers. They feel like punishment, but they’re protection.

Hebrews 12:10–11 says he disciplines us for our good, so we may share in his holiness. He isn’t being harsh. He’s being loving. He sees what we don’t. And he’ll do what it takes to keep us close.

He Delights in You Even When You’re a Mess

My kid is hilarious. He’s loud, messy and he’s got more syrup in his hair than any human should. And I love being around him. I delight in him even when he’s a lot.

Zephaniah 3:17 says God rejoices over us with singing. He doesn’t just tolerate you. He delights in you. Not the polished version. You. Right now.

We believe the lie that God is just “putting up with us.” But he’s not – he’s drawing near. He’s calling us his own. You don’t need to earn that. You already have it.

I’m Just a Giant Toddler

Honestly, I’m just a grown-up toddler. I want what I want, when I want it. I throw fits and argue with God. But he doesn’t throw me away. He gets down on my level. He comforts, He teaches, He shows up again and again.

Isaiah 66:13 says, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” That’s the heart of the Father.

We don’t need to grow out of needing God. We need to lean into it.

Your Takeaway Today

If you feel like you’re too needy, too messy, too far behind you’re not. You’re just his kid. And he isn’t annoyed by your neediness. He’s moved by it.

Take a minute today and reflect:

• Where is God showing you patience?
• What might he be protecting you from?
• What part of you just needs to trust?

He’s not asking you to be perfect. He’s just asking you to come close.

Want to go deeper?

If you’re struggling to stay consistent in your time with God, grab the free 5-day Bible study I put together. It’s simple, focused, and designed to help you start building a habit of showing up with your whole heart.

Get it here!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase – at no extra cost to you. I only share resources I genuinely love and believe will serve you well. Thanks for supporting the work I do through Me and Jesus.