Courage for Parents

You are a parent.

Whether it was part of your life plan or not, you are a parent now.

And whether you are alone in this, or have the most amazing partner in the world, you are a Mom. Or a Dad.

And that takes courage.

It takes courage because parenting is hard. There are the usual expectations: sleepless nights; crying during road trips; talking back. Then there are the un-expectations: Losing yourself, only to rediscover a new sense of self; the worry, the pain, the fear, the overwhelming love; having that someone you love break your heart.

Yes, at some point, to some degree, every parent's heart is broken by their child.

It takes courage because you don't get to choose the person who crashes into your life. Your child is autistic, diabetic, a picky eater, strong-willed, deaf– you get what you get, and you're in for the long haul.

That is, if you ARE in for the long haul.

And I hope you are.

If you are dis-couraged, dig deep and find your courage again. Courage is not charging in with confidence; courage is stepping in despite your fear. This is all new territory. No one has ever parented your child before. You are the only one. So be en-couraged.

Day by day. Minute by minute.

Don't give up. You can do it.

Have courage.

Be strong and courageous… for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. ~Deuteronomy 31:6