These Little People In Our Charge

Our children are our first real opportunity to define ourselves. Having children forces us to recognize the good and the bad in ourselves, because it's staring us back in the face. If we're grumpy and rude, our children will be grumpy and rude. If we're rushed and never have time for people, our children will never have time for people. If we're happy and giving, our children will be pleasant and generous. Now, obviously, this is a generalization, but isn't it amazing how much we shape our children, in every way? Being a parent makes us choose to be the type of person we want our children to be, because we know how much we influence who they will become. Subsequently, our children make us better people. We seem to want thanks from our children for everything we do for them, but don't forget to thank your young ones for everything they do for you. We catch ourselves losing our temper and we take a deep breath, because we don't want the children to hear us yelling. People stop swearing and smoking and drinking because they have children around. Just when we start to lose ourselves to our own selfishness, God gives us another reason to take care of our minds and our bodies. Parents don't take the risks that non-parents do, because if something happens to us, we wonder, what will happen to our children? Children give us a reason to be the best version of ourselves.

On a seemingly related note, check out "Angel in the Waters" by Regina Doman. It's simply beautiful. Non-parents be forewarned, the impact is much more significant for a parent.