Parenthood Connects Us

Parenthood. It's one of the most challenging, humbling, and absolutely rewarding journeys to travel through. And one beauty of parenthood is realizing that you're not alone.

My husband and I were out at The Legends this past weekend to catch the Wizards soccer game. As we were walking around the shops, we saw a mom carrying a squirmy, hot toddler, who was clearly unhappy with something. Mom was red in the face and hot and sweaty due to the August heat (and that screaming, crying, red-faced toddler she was carrying), and my husband and I had the same thought run through our minds. As we passed her, we thought, 'We know that feeling.....of being hot and tired, having an uncooperative kid in public, and pushing through just to make it back to the car.'

Walking by that moment, in that minute, by that woman, made me realize how connected I felt to her simply because we could relate. Everyone who has kids knows that feeling (you know what I'm talking about)...when your child is not cooperating, you eventually sweep them up in your arms to get moving, and their bodies become like limp noodles while their lungs all of a sudden seem to strengthen. You might feel frustrated, embarrassed, or exasperated, wondering what other people are thinking of you.

But here's the good news: People who have kids (at least) can relate to that moment, and we're not judging you. If anything, we are sympathizing with you in that moment, because haven't we all been there after all? I know we all think our children are perfect, but the news flash is that they aren't, and they have their moments (just like we do). At the very least, I would have liked to have told that mom walking by to hang in there, and that she's doing a great job.

In every area of life, I'm seeing the wisdom of God being revealed. Parenthood is just another example of this. God has wisely instituted parenthood for His glory, and yet He kindly lets us see the human side that we all share in it. And through that, our hearts are open to strangers because we relate through our experiences, resulting in compassion. Isn't it comforting to know you're not alone on this journey?