Parenting, the good bad and ugly

Sometimes when we get into the uglier parts of parenting we forget the gifts we have received in our kids.

When I say uglier parts I mean discipline, lying, cheating, teenagers, hormones, attachment, growth, attitude, back talk...all those parts that in every day life kind of set the balance out of whack.

Over the last couple of months we have had our share. We have had behavior problems, medical issues, attachment type issues, and hormones. Some of them have been harder than others. Some of them had us hiding under our pillows wondering what in the world possessed us to think we could do this parenting thing. Some of these things have threatened our sanity, and others have threatened our marriage, while some have just threatened the thickness of hair on our heads.

We have come across a new struggle. One that I can't share publicly because of it's personal nature. It's one though that has had D and I on our knees together. Just in the last couple of days we have found a place where we are solid and unified. A place where we are truly tag teaming this thing, and working together.

As I look back over the past year or so I can see how God has worked in our lives and hearts to strengthen us, as a couple and as parents.

Don’t get me wrong there are still days when I don’t know if I could get more annoyed with D….and the same goes for him.

Last night as D and I prayed together we asked God for His extra special out pouring of Grace. Grace to work through this current situation with discernment, love, and wisdom. We are placing ourselves in His hands and asking for His involvement.

As I was reminded of yesterday, parenting is a gift. I have been digesting that in my heart. Truly, I love being a parent. I love my kids. I count them as blessings and a joy. I love the smiles on their faces, I love their inquisitive minds…even the ones of the teens :o) oops Z is 20 now, guess I can’t call him a teen huh?

Parenting is hard. All of it.

But it’s also the best gift I have ever been given. I love being a mom. I love being called Mom or Momma. I love sitting on the couch snuggling with N watching cartoons, or playing Candy Land with E, or going shopping with S or giving Z his required back rub whenever he visits. I love when they say out of the blue, “I love you momma” I love the smooches and hugs and nose rubs.

So as we deal with the current crisis, I am reminded that I was given a gift in my children. I have been chosen to be their parent. I have also been chosen to be the partner to my husband and together we are a team. With God we are invincible…no matter what get’s thrown our way.