Parenting

Parenting is the hardest job I have ever had. I have had lots of jobs. My first job was lifeguarding at the YMCA at age 15. I’ve been a piano teacher, a social worker, a children’s pastor, a waitress, a missionary, an ESL teacher, an International Advisor, a pill counter at a pharmacy, and one of those “sweet girls” who check you out at the Bible book store. I’ve done some incredible things in my life, but parenting was the dream that I longed for the most and it’s the daily grind that has made me feel more helpless and empowered than I’ve ever felt before.

I have judged so many mothers in my past. I watched their child throw a fit in the store and thought that I knew what the solution would be. What I’ve learned is that God creates each child so differently and it takes courage to face that child each day and present the best choices for them. My husband and I go to bed many nights and ask God how to face a specific problem our child is facing. My 2 year old throws many public fits and I have learned I can’t control him, no matter how hard I try. But God knows the solution to these outbursts and the solution for my child may be something completely different than the solution you need.

We like to read parenting books and take classes to connect with other parents. It’s good to glean as much ammo as you can for this war called parenting. The war is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities of this world. The devil is out to destroy our families. All of the parenting books in the world won’t answer the exact issue we face with our very unique children. We must ask the Holy Spirit for help, because ultimately this is a spiritual war.

I’m living my dream, but its way harder than I ever anticipated. It’s also way more rewarding than I ever imagined. Why didn’t anybody ever tell me how difficult parenting could be? My friends made it look so easy. I didn’t realize how incredibly boring some days would be. I didn’t realize that once we tackled one parenting milestone, we would immediately have to face another. I had no idea that being pregnant was like having the flu for 9 months. Nobody told me these things. I’m learning as I go.

I have a Bachelor’s in Sociology and two master degrees. My resume will reveal that my last job was teaching English as a Second Language at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. It may look like I’m wasting my education, but I am honored to have my current job of full time mommy. Best job ever with the greatest benefits!