Probably the most important thing that Christina and I can share with you through this blog is solidarity and grace.
Our culture is so individualistic. People in this mode tend to put on their best mask of having it all together when they go out or invite people in. Everyone goes around thinking that everyone else has it all together all of the time.
Hopefully this blog gives you the insight that allows you to afford yourself some grace. 99.999% of everything you will may go through is totally normal.
“But what about _______?”… yep, normal. Been there done that.
“But my kiddo just did the most awful, unthinkable thing that was totally not like them”… yep, experienced that one. Have something like that come up with one of the kiddos every 6 months or so. That is a tough one. Here is what we did…
“Some days I feel like a failure or like I could scream… wait I did scream”… amen. Been there… this week actually… Have some ice cream or go for a run… or both. Give yourself some time and space and then show up again tomorrow. Apologize for your part in the mess and be frank and up front about how things need to change in the future.
My main point… we experienced parents have been there. Some of us have gotten to the point to be honest about it and share our struggles and difficulties. We can also look at the overall picture and see all of the good and tell you it is totally worth it. Seeing the image of God shine so brightly in such small nuggets is so beautiful of a thing that it goes beyond words. The bumps, large and small, along the road are VERY real, but also only a small part of the overall journey.