This past week, I have been thinking a lot about being a parent and how joyous and fun and adventurous and timeless and, yes, scary it is! Maybe it's because my kids are coming to visit (today! YAY!!!!) or maybe because my dad recently joined God in Heaven or maybe because I have this amazing relationship with my mom, but whatever the reason I do know that being a parent is really special and very important. And being a good parent is hard work but the rewards are awesome!
Being a parent does not require any tests or formal preparation - anyone can be one, no questions asked... That's kind of scary right there! We need to take a test before getting a license to drive! So why don't we need to do something before we become parents? I guess we should be grateful that almost every other profession does expect you to be qualified! I'm glad someone checked out my doctor before he did surgery!
I am not making light of parenting because I believe it to be one of the most important things I have done in my life! But how de we know what to do? God counsels us to follow good examples. Paul tells us in Phillipians 3:17, "Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us."
I am glad that I have had such good role models to follow. Because God gave me to the best parents he ever put on this earth and I have always been grateful for that! Well, maybe always is a bit too strong... I do have some childhood memories of times I didn't like Mom and Dad too much and probably wasn't thinking about "grateful" - but I did always love them!
I grew up with five brothers and sisters but my parents made each of us feel loved and cared for and important and able to do anything we wanted. They taught us to be kind to everyone (even our siblings!), to respect all people and especially our elders, to be loving and caring and generous, and to love God and respect his commandments. They not only used words but they were living examples of all they taught. We were encouraged to express ourselves and they were always available when we needed to talk or ask questions. They actively listened and responded when needed, always showing love and respect to us. But they also set clear boundaries for us and were there to discipline us, whether with words or action. I think, though, that my dad was descended from Solomon because there was always wisdom in his discipline! He very seldom was physical but got his message across in different ways. For example, I remember one of my siblings came home a bit inebriated one night. My dad woke him up at dawn the next morning to cut heads off chickens! You can surely see why we trembled when Mom said to us, "Wait until your father gets home!"
Not everyone had the shining examples of parenting that I was blessed with. But, remember, God is a parent too! We call him Father! He exhibits all the attributes of a good parent and these are exemplified all throughout the bible. God has unconditional love for us and he is forgiving if we are honest with him and just ask. Look at how many times he forgave His people Israel as they continued to stray from His commandments! He wants us to express ourselves within the boundaries he set! God is always available to us and He always is willing to listen. And He treats each of us as if we are his only child. Even when he practices tough love, as we see many times in the bible, He is always willing to forgive his children if they just ask!
So follow the examples of the good role models in your life! You know they were good because you always felt loved and respected and important. And if God is your only example, embrace it! Indeed, He is the original parent and we will never go wrong if we follow His word!
I
love being a parent and I hope I have been a good role model for my
children - so far so good, though, because I love what I see in them
already. They are good people so it cannot be a stretch that they will
be good parents (just not now, please, live your life and enjoy your
challenges of young adulthood for several more years!)
Now it is time to go pick them up at the airport!
I can't wait! Have a great day - I know I will!
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