halrunkel
Parenthood is filled with joy. It is filled with love. It is filled with adventure. It is also filled with pain, with tribulation, and with trials. You simply can’t have one without the other. And trust me, you wouldn’t want it any other way.
The problems we have with our kids are there for a reason. Not only did we help to create them, but we are supposed to learn something from them. We are supposed to let the rearing of our children grow us up as well. The next time your infant keeps you up all night remember this.
When your toddler refuses to get in the bathtub, give a little smile. As you face the fears of your adolescent, the social awkwardness of your middle schooler, and the rebelliousness of your teen, consider it all part and parcel of this thing we call parenting.
And know in your heart of hearts that the more you allow these trials to do what they are supposed to do, the stronger and more resilient you will become.
“The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” (Chinese proverb)
Peace begins with a pause,
Hal
