A chance to grow

My uncle Dave could probably tell you a lot about endurance. He runs marathons, and I don't know how long he's been doing this but I'm sure if I asked, he'd tell me it took a long time to be able to run that distance without a complete breakdown.

I think parenting is really similar. So many times I rush into things and expect to be able to run full speed ahead from beginning to end, with no planning or training in advance. Parenting requires endurance and this doesn't come overnight. It comes with lots of practice and work. And sometimes that work is hard, painful even. But like running a marathon, it comes with a huge sense of accomplishment and pride when the goal is finally achieved. I'd like to think that each day as a mom is a step closer to the finish line, to achieving the goal. Yes, I know, parenting is a job that's never finished. But the little struggles along the way are their own accomplishments, and getting through each test is another goal achieved. Its so easy for me to get discouraged that things aren't going the way I want, so easy for me to forget the big picture. But if I step back for a moment, I realize these are chances for me to grow, and to teach my children. I'm not a perfect teacher, or a perfect mom. But I'm working on it and improving each day.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. ~James 1:3