The greatest responsibility...

Now having two kids, I am beginning to understand more about being a parent. That isn't to say that I am a great parent or anything like that, but it is to say that I am learning. Learning about not only how to raise kids, but also about myself.

You know, when growing up your world totally revolves around yourself... what you want, when you want it, how you want it... we are all basically self centered people. However, as soon as you have kids, that all changes. It becomes about what your kids want, how to get it for them, and how to do what is best for your children. Unfortunately, even at young ages, doing what is best for your kids isn't always easy. In fact, I garner to say that it is indeed harder.

It is far easier to let your kids have what they want than to give them what they need. Kids need structure, discipline, admonishment, and encouragement. So often, I hate to discipline the boys. But discipline is not a bad thing. Proverbs 3:11-12 states that God disciplines those he loves. Sometimes, we have to remember to do what is best for a child even if that doesn't agree with what we or the kid want to do.

Being a good parent involves an ongoing desire to be selfless. God has blessed us with so much. We really need to be aware of what it means to be a selfless servant. Jesus said in Matthew 23:11 that the greatest among you will be your servant. As a parent we have to serve our children by doing what is best for them and not what we want or what is easier to do.

Sometimes I think of Abraham poised over Isaac. Weeping. Ready to plunge the knife into Isaac. Then I think of Jesus. Praying in the garden asking his Father to let this cup pass from him. Suffering on the cross. Could you? Would you?

As a parent, I know that both Abraham and God did what was best for their kids, even though I am certain that neither wanted to do it. However, it what was best for their children and that is the greatest responsibility we have.