Raising kids is one of life’s most profound joys and biggest challenges. There are days in which we’re overwhelmed with gratitude at how much their mere presence blesses us. And there are many other days in which we’re at our wits end keeping up with the unending demands and responsibilities of parenthood.
To be sure, parenthood is a journey we can never fully prepare for. But as we go on the journey, we learn more about ourselves and of God, as we also discover a life of deep meaning and purpose.
For instance, our kids often serve as mirrors, for better or worse, reflecting back to us many aspects of our very selves.
And this not just limited to physical appearance. Their speech and character and the way they see the world all are often reflections of what they’ve learned from us.
And whether this is affirming or exposing, we’re regularly encouraged to become better versions of ourselves for their sake.
Our children also allow a depth of unconditional love to emerge in us previously unknown – giving us a glimpse of just how much God loves us.
It’s clear our kids don’t have to earn our love. Even as helpless infants we’re willing to do whatever it takes for their good.
And while we don’t doubt the truth and depth of our love toward them, sometimes we forget this is only a taste of God’s profound love toward us. Raising children allows us to practice offering and receiving this unconditional love.
Kids also force us to engage in a life much beyond the mere pursuit of our own personal happiness. In fact, raising kids is often inconvenient and trying to say the least. But it’s a cost worth paying.
Our kids are types of arrows we send into the next generation – continuing our legacy of bringing more life and goodness into the world. And, in this way, all our mundane tasks today are giving us a role to play in the larger story God is telling.
In the end, raising children will forever change us – transforming us and allowing us to reflect a bit more of God’s divine image in the world.
Endure the challenges and open to all the joys along the way. You’ll be a better man for taking this journey.
Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash
