What is the point of parenting? After a certain point, they can pretty much survive on their own anyways. give them the basics- food, water and a potty, and they are good to go. They can survive, but the point of parenting is for them to thrive.

Our every action, word and feeling is poured into our children. We shape their worlds, their lives, whether we mean to or not. Our successes, our mistakes, our children carry these with them for the rest of their lives. Just like we are the legacy of our parents, our children are ours.

Through my relatively short years as a parent, I’ve made mistakes. I’ve tried different “techniques” that really didn’t pan out. I like to think that the fact I recognized that they were mistakes means something. I like to think that being honest with my children and openly admitting my mistakes means something.

I say, “I’d like to think,” because it really comes down to how each child processes the situation. A single mistake, whether intentional or accidental, can scar a child for life. We can do all the good in the world and completely miss the point.

What’s the point?

Relationship is the point. I can spend my days doing bake sales, cheering at t-ball games or taking field trips to the zoo, but if my child grows up without me knowing her, I’ve failed. If my child grows up with a Mommy-sized hole she tries to fill with sex, drugs, alcohol, food or any other addiction, I’ve failed. If she grows up feeling alone or unloved, I’ve failed.

It is unbelievably overwhelming, this parenting thing. I have a life in my hands. I am shaping this life, whether I want to or not. Whether I am aware or not. Whether I am prepared or not. Overwhelming? Like a row boat caught in a hurricane.

I am not perfect, nor will I ever be and I know that. I am undeniably human. I make mistakes daily. I lose my patience daily.

Right before I lose my mind thinking about all this, my faith kicks in. I remember I serve a God who knows what a fragile piece of work I am. I remember that I am perfect in His eyes. He knows I fall daily, and, get this, He doesn’t care! He loves me anyways. Unconditional they call it. I call it fabulously comforting and inspiring.

It is comforting to know that no matter how many times or how big I fail, He loves me. He wants the best for me and He’s willing to guide me if I will just get out of my own way. It is inspiring because this love makes me want to be a better person, a better parent, a better wife, a better me.

How does this apply to my parenting and the point of parenting?

My children know there is a God. Oftentimes, their faith is greater than my own. They know that He loves them, no matter what. They know that no one will ever love them the way God does because it is not possible. They know that no matter what they go through, He’s right there. They have that comfort, that peace.

As they grow, my children will see me make mistakes, but my children will also see me apologize and ask for forgiveness. They will see me try and try again. They will see me in all my humanness. I pray they will also see me reach out to them. To love them in the way that speaks to their precious hearts. I pray that they know that even though I can’t love them the way God does, I am still loving them with my whole heart.