A Commitment of a Lifetime
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Although some aspects of parenting only last for a season, the heart of your parenting lasts for a lifetime. Just writing these words fills me with overwhelming gratitude and wonder.
A few years ago when I was in the process of adopting my oldest daughter from Russia a fellow teacher stopped me in the hall one day.
"Remember," she said with emphasis, "babies become teenagers." Then with a look of disgust she turned and walked on down the hall.
Her words puzzled me at the time. Certainly a healthy baby grows to become a teenager and then an adult. Everyone knows that! But today my daughter is fifteen years old and I can understand better what she meant. Parenting at each stage has its own challenges and the teenage years are no exception.
Many adoptive parents find the early childhood stage of parenting satisfying and rewarding but when their child begins to develop his/her own identity their feelings about parenting change to one of less satisfaction.
Its not always easy but amid all the long talks and discussions parenting at this stage is still very satisfying for me. Instead of becoming permissive and distant it is important to allow your long term commitment to the wellbeing of your child to hold you steady through all the storms and stressors of the teen years. It is important to help your child become their very best.
"You're a good mom," I heard coming from the other room a few days ago. I'm not sure what precipitated that but it touched my heart and I couldn't help smiling. How changeable are the emotions of a teenager! Thanksgiving filled my soul again.
"I'll always be here for you," I called back. Truer words could not be spoken. Parenting is a heart commitment which lasts a lifetime. May you too continue to be strengthened as you parent. Today passes so quickly. Keep your eyes on the goal and trust the One Who continues to guide you.
Posted in Adoption | No Comments
Reply to this Post: