What I Thought I Knew About Parenting

I thought I had the “ideal” parenting tactics rehearsed in my head. I thought I had “the answers” as to how we would handle certain situations when they arise. That’s just it – I thought I had…

What I thought I knew about parenting was that I would be the one teaching my child how to live life.


What I didn’t know is that MY CHILD was the one teaching ME how to live life.


Nothing can prepare you for the role of parenting (in a good way). Being in youth ministry, many thought we would be the “perfect” parents because we were with kids all of the time. The thing is, we are far from perfect. When I lay my head down on my pillow at night, I know it is only by God’s grace that I made it through the day. Every day that goes by, I am reminded of how much I really have to learn and yet how much parenting has changed me.

You see, I was “one of those parents” who thought that the Babywise idea would work – that by 3 months, my child would be sleeping through the night. What people do not tell you is that you are okay and the baby is okay if it takes them a little longer. I felt I was on this marathon run to try and get my child to sleep through the night. What Mazy taught ME, is that time with her is precious. Those days of holding her like a baby are numbered. And those times she still wakes up in the middle of the night, I truly do treasure (most of the time).

You see, I was “one of those parents” who thought I would never bring my child to bed with me. One night it happened (and it has only happened once, only because I don’t want to get in the habit, though no judgement here if you do regularly). She could not fall asleep and I decided to hold her tightly against me, while she fell fast asleep. For one hour, we spent time together, just the two of us (Dan was gone hunting). I then realized it was time to put her back in her crib, but knew that at that moment, Mazy taught ME that again, time with her is precious. Some day she is not going to “need” me in the way she does now.

You see, I was “one of those parents” who thought I wouldn’t give my child Tylenol at a young age. Then 2 month shots happened and that idea flew out the door. Then teething happened. Now Ibuprofen and even Benadryl are now in stock at our home. In this day and age (I feel like I am 90 when I say that), it is common to just stick with essential oils. I am not a user of them nor am I against them. I just know that the few times I have used Tylenol, it worked. The one time I used Benadryl, it worked. Mazy taught ME that I will do whatever it takes as a mom, to ensure the comfort and health of my child. She taught me that those tears break my heart but knowing God gave me the privilege of being part of her physical comfort, is a blessing we never imagined.

Those are just a few examples of how Mazy has taught me to cherish every moment. I realize how she cherishes moments with us, simply by smiling at us with her big blue eyes.

Mazy has taught me to live life one day at a time. Living one day at a time, means entrusting God with our tomorrows, since He is already there.

Mazy has taught me to rely on God, like she relies on me. For every need. Mazy does that with such ease, yet I, the adult, struggles to trust God with my every need.

Mazy has taught me that hope is worth waiting for. We had no hope in having children, to be quite honest. It took God literally proving to us, that we can hope in the desires of our heart. That God does grant us the desires of our heart. Mazy reminds me daily that God is worth trusting.

Mazy has taught me find joy in the little things in life. Kiss her toes and she will giggle. Tickle her thigh and she will shout in laughter. Walk in front of a mirror and she will smile for miles. Find joy in the simple things in life.

What I thought I knew about parenting has been completely thrown out the door. Parenting is more than I could have ever imagined. It is more fulfilling. More joy-filled. Just MORE. It is only by God’s grace (yes, His grace yet again), that has allowed us to be parents. For this, we do not take for granted.