Monday, July 16, 2012

A Time to Parent

I know, I know, it's just so hard to spend the time parenting.  One vaguely remembers the time when you were only responsible to care for yourself and perhaps a significant other. Maybe you were good at that and maybe it was a challenge.

And now, one , two , three, or who knows how many others have arrived and you find yourself counting each act of caring as sacrificial. Eventually you discover a habit of caring that reworks your lifestyle.

I don't want to put a spin on it. Because the miracle factor will always kick in when you start counting the cost. This being a parent, having a child, is such a miracle. Engaging, Encouraging, Extending the experiences of your child is just a gift.

There is no telling what they will do when they are older, adults, like you. Maybe they will ring home everyday, maybe they will live next door, maybe they will call once a week, or month. But now, now you are close. So sink into it. Treasure every difficult moment whether it's getting them out of bed or feeding them in the night or explaining things they don't want explanations for or playing with them when you have a 'to do' list that is making you feel out of control.

Look in those faces and save today on your brain's hard drive. Keep it special. Review it at the end of the day and wake up the next morning ready to reboot and reload.

OK...off the computer or your phone or ipad, whatever it is you are reading this on,  and back to engaging with your kids!
Love,
Deborah