Raising children is
hard. It’s a deep joy, an unending blessing, and a gift…but still hard.
The responsibility and weight that is on my shoulders never
strays far from my mind. When something comes up, I have to look at the big
picture. I can’t just look at today, or “now.” I can’t just wave away an issue
as a “small deal” when I know that in the big scheme of things that “small
deal” is not so small at all. It was a beginning. A change. A
win or a loss for their very souls, sometimes.
You can never take
the easy way out when you are raising kids. “Easy” at the time ends up to be heartache later on. “Easy” never wins. Intentional effort,
time given, commitment, stamina, staying the course….those win.
Raising children is
life changing. Nothing may ever quite humble you the same, like a child.
Nothing may ever break your heart the same way a child can break your heart.
Nothing may ever give you deeper joy – than your child.
As my children get older, I see the clock ticking away. I
see the time and how it was so short. It
IS so short. I see how the window is closing in on how I may influence them
and mold them. And I see their own personalities, character qualities, and
vision developing and taking hold of them. I see just how important and crucial
every day is. How the words I use, the thoughts I process, the reactions I
give, and the love I lavish on them, is affecting them. They are either
stronger or weaker because of my direction and my choices as I’ve parented
them.
When you first look down at that little baby, you think you
will do anything for them. Then when that first hurdle comes into your life,
it’s so tempting to give in and let it go. It’s “nothing” you think. They’ll
overcome. They won’t be affected by it. They’ll turn out okay.
Life shows you differently. Not everyone turns out okay. Not everyone escapes unscathed.
Life shows you differently. Not everyone turns out okay. Not everyone escapes unscathed.
No, you have to be intentional. Responsible. Visionary.
Loving. Forgiving. Humble. And you have to learn when to let go. When to let go and when to hold on. Maybe one of the toughest lessons of all.
When to say ‘yes’ and when to (more importantly) sometimes say ‘no.’
This is the world and the responsibility of a parent.
Finding the strength to know how to play it right. Easy? No, no one ever said parenting was easy. But if
you invest your heart and stay the course even when it’s tough….it’s worth
every second.
No, you can’t become a parent on a whim. It takes great
strength. But out of strength comes beauty.
Always.
2 comments:
Once again I am challenged by your post.. I love the word intentional...
:) Intentional IS such a great word, isn't it. It says so much.
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