I was such a patient person before I had kids who didn’t do what I told them.
I was such a quiet person before I had kids who didn’t listen.
I was such a peaceful person before I had kids who cried at the top of their lungs.
I was filled with such wonderful qualities before those qualities were ever really tested by real life.
My kids are the most delightful part of my life, but there are moments when parenting has a way of bringing out the worst version of me, so that I barely recognize myself sometimes.
- When did I get so tense?
- Who replaced my voice with this Drill Sergeant’s?
- Where did I learn to give useless sermons about behaving at the table?
- Where’s the perfect dad that I was before I had kids?
Oh, parenting is hard, not just because of the work, but because it forces me to own up to my inconsistencies, my weaknesses, and my failures. And for that, I’m grateful, because as this crucible boils my patience to the limit and the gunk rises to the top, I get to see myself as I am and hopefully pour off the dross so that my character gets a little more refined.
Here I thought parenting was just about shaping kids. Didn’t know I’d be raising myself too.
4 comments:
NI absolutely love reading your blog. I looked at it a few days ago and ended up reading quite a few of your entries. Your writing style is great and I appreciate your openness. It's great to see you working through life and allowing the great Refiner to do His work. Keep it up!
I just found your blog and Oh My Gosh are you describing how I feel as a parent!! I loved reading these latest few posts and look forward to reading more! They are touching and I love your writing style. God has really given you a gift. Thank you for sharing!
So glad to hear that I am not the only one - love reading your stuff - thanks for sharing
weird. I was looking up pic's for a drill sergeant dad and your "blog" was the first link to click... Hope things are better.. if not you're not alone!
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