Becoming As a Child

The natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. -Mosiah 3:19-

Many of us experienced unloving treatment from parents or guardians, and becoming “as a child” is challenging, maybe even terrifying. If you have unresolved problems with a parent, what can you do to separate your feelings about your parent from your feelings about God?
The biggest difficulty I have with my parents is feeling like they were/are disappointed in me. I feel like they are disappointed with some of the things I have chosen to spend time and energy on. Those feelings of disappointment make me hesitant to share. They invoke shame. Because of that, I often feel like my Father in Heaven is disappointed in me and the mistakes I have made. That can make it more difficult to go to Him in times of need.

I think I need to remember that although my Heavenly Father is similar to my earthly parents in some respects, but in others he is not. He loves me and wants the best for me, just like I do for my children. He strives to help me in times of need. However, unlike my parents (or me), he is perfect. He doesn't get caught up in unrighteous dominion, nor is He seeking to make me do what He wants me to. He simply wants me to be happy. As happy as I possibly can. As such, He is guiding me in what I need to do to accomplish that. When I fail to do what He commands, He is sad, because He knows that I will not be as happy as I would otherwise be. It is important to remember the limitations of my parents because of their imperfect and mortal state and not ascribe those same limitations to my Heavenly Father.

Although you may have problems to resolve with your earthly parents, you can have confidence in Heavenly Father and the Savior as perfect fathers. Why can you trust Heavenly Father and the Savior as you submit your life to Them?
They love me with a perfect love and all they want is for me to be happy. They have no other design and have done everything they can to facilitate that for me. They are not seeking for self-fulfillment through me. They are also infinitely patient, so they are willing to wait for me to make the changes. They understand if I slip-up or move slowly as I seek to make those changes. They will forgive and let me try again, no matter how many times I have to do so. They are perfect.