I wrote this post at another time and place in my life. On a different continent, in a different hemisphere, in a different house. Now sitting here it seems that it is one of the things that fits my life now in this place. So I thought I would share it again.
Did you ever think that parenting is as much about teaching you as it is about teaching your children. Here is the challenge. That we are meant to feel bent, exhausted, stripped of ourselves and empty. That it’s not a mistake. It’s an on-purpose gift to parents. Those who learn what sacrifice looks like. It is a unique gift to those who raise and love the ones we call our own.
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Raising an American child in Africa is challenging much less one who is blessed with a mountain of her own special struggles. Through my child I am learning more about Christ than any church, pastor, or book could ever teach me. Sacrifice, striped of ones self, emptier than ever at the end of the day. But a love that is always growing stronger, a hunger and desire that knows no bounds, forgiveness that is unwavering, and a dependence on the Father to get through.
She has a way of reminding me to forgive and pray for those who have caused us pain. That my words and actions never fall on deaf ears, no matter what I think. That I am as dependent as she is at the end of the day. An that some where after being emptied of myself there is one waiting to fill me anew, parent me, love me, and forgive me.
Yes she is a hand full on her best day. But for me she is a window to the Father. Children are the best lesson one could ever learn.
Mountain Moma
I KNOW that parenting is about my willingness to evolve and forgive and find patience, basically develop all the positive values!