Man! Parenting is Hard!

I just have to say it…parenting is hard work. I know I am getting many head nods and “amens” as this is being read. I don’t know about you, but I always pictured this whole thing so much easier. Now that I have a 5-year-old and 2-year-old, the days seem to fly by. Sometimes I wonder if I am being and giving enough to my girls. Am I building them up enough? Am I teaching them enough? Am I doing what a good parent should do? It seems like a big enough challenge to do everything I need to throughout the day and take care of myself. So, the thought of being the kind of parent that I want to be, can seem a bit intimidating.

I have come to realize, though, sometimes I make it more complicated than I need to. It is not about being perfect, it is about being consistent. My girls don’t need me to be a perfect dad, they just need me to point them to a perfect God. I am going to fall short more times than I would like, but I’m learning that’s okay…as long as I get up, make things right, and keep looking to God.

The best thing I can do is to love their mother and model what a follower of Christ looks like. I want my girls to see me spending time with God, digging into His Word, praying by myself and with the family, leading out with our church family. I want to display for them what I so desire for their lives. I also want to talk about God daily. Whether it is teaching them about Him, reading a section of the Jesus Story Book Bible, or telling them what God is doing in my life, I want to have God-conversations regularly.

If you are a parent and feel like you are barely hanging on, don’t give up. Look to God for strength and hope. Aim to grow in your faith. And then allow your life to be a reflection of the love of God to your family!