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Since I’ve been a parent for a few years now, with another one on the way, I’ve realized a few things that have really changed my life. Maybe they have for you too. Here’s just a few I thought I’d share.
1. I understand love so much more, especially how much God loves us.
It’s the most unique love I’ve ever felt. This isn’t to say love for your spouse or family is less, but it is definitely different. And until you have a kid, I don’t know if you can understand it.
Even more amazing is God’s love for us. I couldn’t do what God did by sacrificing his son. For whom on earth would I sacrifice my kid? I think the only day I’ll understand that is when I see Him face to face.
2. I have such a greater respect for my parents.
Raising a kid is pretty hard. It isn’t just the discipline or ouchies or daily peaks and valleys that make it tough. And while I’m sure moms and dads will have a different take on this, for me, as a father, it’s the providing that is the toughest. Things as a kid you take for granted become the most important things as a father. A roof over their heads. Food on the table. Clothes on their backs. Security. Love. Faith. Support. Cheer outfits and baseball gloves. From tangibles to intangibles to eternals, providing is hard and it takes commitment.
I’ve had a great example of that in my life. My father is a great provider. I’ve never been in want and if I was, I never knew it. Pair that with the most selfless mother who always made sure I was first. I couldn’t see the depth of it when I was a kid, but now that I’ve become that parent, I see how hard it is. And even though it is very hard, they made it look so easy. It makes me wanna hug my mom and dad. It makes me honor them more. It makes me proud I have such a wonderful example.
The funny thing is that they haven’t stopped. Dad will fast and pray until I get a breakthrough. Mom will use her vacation to come help me when I need it. They’ll both take money out of their wallets at the drop of a hat. I’m 34, and they still put me first. How could I not honor them for that? So if you see my parents, tell them how amazed I am by them. I see what they do as a miracle. To them, it’s just another great day as mom and dad. I understand that now.
So if you’re a teen and you’re giving your mom or dad a hard time, think about how hard it is to be your parent. How would you want to be treated by your child who was acting like you are? Ol mom and dad aren’t as dumb and mean as you think!
3. I’ve learned I have a lot of stuff to work on.
If you really want to know what you’re made of, a child will bring it out of you. One minute they’re little beautiful angels and the next…well, not so much. But how you react to life’s situations will tell you a lot about yourself.
A pastor friend of mine, Ron Corzine, posted a Facebook status earlier that said, “You can always tell the size of a person by the size if the problem it takes to discourage them.” True statement. Hard statement. It made me think of how I respond to my family. Is my two year old having a #2 accident the end of the world? No. So I shouldn’t treat the situation like it is.
See, I don’t want to just be a great parent, I want to be a great person. If who I am is good, then what I put my hands to will be too. I need Jesus to change me and mold me and I can’t get upset when he gives me opportunities to get better, which, as a parent, I get lots of them. Letting God shape me into a good person with make me that good father I want to be.
But what’s great is that even when I fail, when I stumble, even fall flat on my face, I have a Father, a Daddy, ready to pick me up. Being a dad helped me see that. I have to be willing to help her avoid the fall, but loving enough to put that Doc McStuffins bandage on when she does. Cuz that’s what God does with me. Just not a Doc McStuffins bandage.
Being a parent is tough. I wake up with my daughter each morning and spend time with her before work. I get home and spend time with her until bedtime. And though there are times when I’m tired and sleepy, I wouldn’t trade that time for anything. It’s time where I build my relationship with her, but also where God is changing me, making me a better daddy, husband, son, friend, a better me. It’s hard, but boy is it worth it.
Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
How has God used parenting to change you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!