I believe this myth can work two ways, some believe that you cannot have a full life while being a parent (See Myth #6: “I will have no life as a parent.”) or my life will not be full without being a parent. We can be easily deceived to believe that a parental status determines our life’s value. Some people think, “Life is not worth living if I don’t become a parent.” They believe that a magic spell of “purpose” will be cast over them. Although parenting can be extremely meaningful, it does not become the exclusive meaning of your life. Many parents who put all their value into parenting often find themselves completely lost when they become empty nesters. Is this the way it is supposed to be? The exclusive purpose of life is not to be a parent. The purpose of life is to know Jesus and bring Him glory. You will never be content as a father or mother until you know your Heavenly Father. Some may reply, “But I am doing God’s work by being a parent.” That is very true but does it consume you to the point of forgetting your primary purpose? We can do so many good works and forget why we are doing them in the first place- to love God. Revelation 2:2-4 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Parenting is not a “rite of passage.” It is not a box on a checklist waiting to be checked off. Parenting is an opportunity. While you will often find being a parent fulfilling, it’s designed purpose is not to fulfill you, it’s to change you. Parenting is a daily pouring out of yourself and the only way that you will thrive is by being poured into by your Heavenly Father. If you do not have an inlet, you will rapidly dry up because parenting is a daily pouring out. Parenting will bring purpose to your life, but it will feel hollow without first finding your primary purpose as a child of God. You cannot be a godly parent without first being a dependent child of God. Let His love fill your heart so you can pour it into your children.
1 Comment
Maggie Walters
9/10/2019 06:32:05 pm
Very interesting article, Ryan. I could totally get your point even though I’m not a parent myself. I suppose it could apply to one’s profession/career or other type of calling.
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