On Parenting

 

Parenting is not 

about rigid ideology.

It's not about being right,

nor a wonderful example at all times

nor a paragon of virtue.

It's not about constructing the perfect home life 

nor even the carefully constructed educational environment.

(I've tried to do both.)

There is no guaranteed method for the efficient mass production of saints. 

 

Parenting is very messy.

(And I don't mean the red food coloring.)

It's not for perfect people.

You're going to mess up.

Everyone does.

Parenting

means you will fail your children,

often.

Honesty demands that you admit it, 

to them.

It's a hard thing,

asking people to follow you 

and to do as you say,

when you are well aware of your weaknesses as well as your strengths.

Sometimes, being a parent means

you will have to say

"Be like me," and at other times,

"Don't be like me."
You'll have to listen close to your Creator to know which one
is the right one for the situation!
It's an awesome, fearsome thing
that He given us to do.
There are times I think,
"Does He really think I can do this?"
Seriously???

Parenting is about being in it for the long haul.

It's all about sticking with the mess,

and loving through the mess.

It's blood, mud, sweat,and tears

and

"I will always love you," 

and

"I'm sorry,"

and

"Will you forgive me?"

and "Let's start all over again."

And for this one? It's all about the Popsicles.