Thoughts on being a parent...

I received a book for Christmas from my sister-in-law entitled "The Focus on the Family Complete Book of Baby and Child Care." The concept of being a mommy was still surreal to me so I flipped through a few pages of the book and generally enjoyed having a parenting book but didn't give too much thought about reading it from cover to cover. When they said "Complete" they weren't kidding - it is 857 pages! I recently picked it up and began reading in earnest. The thought of enjoying a cuddly, smartly-dressed, chubby-cheeked miniature Hubbard gets me excited to no end, but the thought of becoming an actual parent scares me to death. The following quote gave me quite a wake-up call:

"Whatever else you do as you bring up your child, you must convey a crucial message that she can hear, see, and experience in hundreds of different ways, especially when she is young:
You are loved, you are important, and you always will be, no matter what happens. I care enough about you to provide for you, stand with you, coach you, correct you, and even die for you if necessary. My commitment to you is not based on what you do or don't do, how you look, whether your body is perfect or handicapped, or how you perform in school or sports. It is based on the fact that I am your parent and you are my child, a priceless gift that God has loaned to me for a season. Eventually I will release you to live your own life, but while you are growing up, I consider caring for you and assignment of utmost importance."

Gulp. What have I gotten myself into? How, exactly, do I accomplish this? Dobson goes on to say:

"...embracing these words as a mind-set and a fundamental attitude toward your child will shape thousands of interactions that ultimately convey its message."

Then it hit me that my parents managed to make this message loud and clear in my life. How did they do it? I have no idea, but looking back, I can say that I just knew. I read that entire paragraph all over again and I would say every sentence is true of my own upbringing. I think the above description of the responsibility of a parent is a much deeper explanation of love. And it's a HUGE responsibility. So I am thankful that Jason and I are not in this alone...we can constantly look to God, the ultimate example of a parent, for help. Millions and billions and zillions of parents have faced the same task. And most of their kids turned out just fine. Praise God for his grace!

He Giveth More Grace
by Annie Flint

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.