I became a mom when I turned 24. I was blessed to experience the same feelings two more times. Parenting has taught me so many lessons about things I thought I knew when I was that age. How to forgive – how to love – how to sacrifice – how to understand and respect life and so much more. I could probably fill a book with all the experiences that parenting allows us. Being a responsible parent isn’t easy in times of turmoil and fear. How do you tell a child to be suspicious of strangers? How do you talk to them about random shootings? How do you teach them to respect others – God, parents and country? How do you find the words to explain violence, hatred, school invasions, etc.?

Each generation has their own way of parenting but let me be clear – it isn’t “generational.” This term seems to express being a slave to the past. When the elderly are considered stuck in their own muck or given to sticking with tradition, there must be at least an ounce of truth in it. Parenting is probably one of the most difficult jobs today. Especially when we live in such a state of confusion, and differences of cultures, beliefs and opinions. Many of the basics of raising children are written in the Bible. Most of them have gone by the wayside and become lost in the shuffle of living in a world of self-absorption.

If there was only a one size fits all solution to this condition. Parenting can often be considered a learn as you go experience. When you place God at the center of your family, you’re giving them the greatest gift for living. Having a family relies on our dependence on God’s providence and intervention. 

I found this poem, which I wrote when my oldest child and her family moved to another state far away from us. It was a time of letting go.

The moments have turned into days, the days turn into years.
We’ve watched you grow. We’ve seen success and now there come the tears.
I know I should be happy for all that lies ahead.
A new life to start – in God’s strong arms – so why do these tears I shed?
It’s so hard to say goodbye to those you call your own.
When they were young and starting out, who would have ever known,
that some distant day they would leave and cut a path alone.
I know The Lord will be with them, but my heart is breaking inside.
Take care of them, Lord, protect and sustain and with them always abide.