Lessons

Some friends of ours with a baby around Julia's age came over for dinner this weekend, and they posed some thought-provoking questions to us, that they'd been asked by other friends of theirs who are also new parents.

1)  What have you learned about each other since becoming parents?

2)  What have you learned about yourself since becoming a parent?

The first question was really easy for me to answer.  I had always known Aaron was patient, but it wasn't until we had Julia that I discovered how vast his patience really is.  I have definitely reached my limit numerous times, usually late at night or in the wee hours of the morning, if Julia will not stop crying and we cannot figure out what in the world is wrong with her, but I can always count on Aaron to step in and lighten my load.  He has been a rock for me when I am frustrated, overwhelmed, or spent. Aaron never loses his cool.  He is always incredibly patient with our daughter, soothing her and showering her with his tender love.  He is always patient with me too, which is even more remarkable, since I am can be grumpy when I am tired or frustrated and pretty emotional when I am overwhelmed.  And there have been times that Julia's crying has driven me to tears, so Aaron has to deal with two crybabies, but he is constant in his love and compassion for us.  Aaron has taught me so much about God through this journey of parenting.  He has been an image of Jesus' everlasting love for me.  I am so grateful for my vocation and all I am learning about Christ's love for his Church through the love of my spouse!  And I know Julia is already beginning learning about the Father's love for her from her earthly father.  I thank God for His gift of love!  "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

Julia learns of her heavenly Father's love from her earthly father.

Safe in his arms.

Julia is blessed to have such a good and patient daddy!

The second question prompted me to share that Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength," has really come alive for me.  Before Julia was born, I used to think I was busy, and I was, to a certain extent.  But, Julia has allowed me to realize I am capable of even more than I thought I was, only by the grace of God.  Some days, I stop and think of all I have to get done, and I think, "Somehow, it will all get done!  This day will come to a close, and all those things will be over."  Each day is a wild ride, and I know God is in the driver's seat, because there's no way I could navigate these curves!  We entrust our day to God each morning, and it's amazing how much He can help us accomplish in a given day.

The second question also provoked an interesting discussion on selfishness.  We all agreed that parenting made us realize how selfish we are, deep down.  Our friends shared what their friend had said about it.  She said, "I want my baby to do what I want him to do, when I want him to do it, so I can do what I want, when I want to do it."  We agreed that, discouraging as it may be to admit, we all have that attitude too much of the time.  Yet, Christ is clear: "'If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" (Luke 9:23).  Denial of self is so hard - may Jesus give us the grace to follow His charge!