Climbing the Parenting Mountain

"Are we there yet?" My whining resounded off the massive rock that I was desperately trying to climb. My husband Jim, in his extreme enthusiasm was yards ahead, encouraging me to continue.

We were on our first exploration of Pinnacle Mountain in Arkansas—a mere mole of a hill for an avid climber, but as formidable as Mount Everest for those of the weaker vessel, namely me.

It was a beautiful day, and because Jim kept prodding I soon managed to make it to the top. From there, we could see miles of forested terrain and mountain ranges in the distant. Hawks hovered eye-level on the updraft currents of air. It was a gorgeous view and worthy of the hard work to get there.

We were only glimpsing a mere fraction of the Creator's universe. I was overwhelmed, not only from sheer exhaustion, but from observing God's mighty handiwork. Sitting on the edge of the rock I breathed in deeply as though to inhale the very essence of God.  

The setting was peaceful and relaxing until I became distracted and allowed my thoughts to wander. I began to consider how futile my attempts had been to make an impact in God’s world. It seemed all I’d managed to do was get married and raise two children, a son and daughter. I was no rocket scientist or Mother Theresa. No first woman-to-the-moon ride for me, nor had I discovered a cure for the common cold. Was what I had accomplished enough?

Then it occurred to me that even the God of the universe, the one who painted raindrops and made the first prism, was also the One who created the first son and daughter, Adam and Eve. He spent time with them in His garden, walked with them and explained the patterns of the stars. Nothing He created demanded more time or attention.

A beautiful picture is described in Genesis when God made man. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27. And not only did He think it was good, but He made a specific point of saying how good. “And God saw everything that he had made and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31

So if God thinks being a parent is the most important thing He could do, why don't we? God is with us each step of the way, prodding, encouraging us to climb to the top as we parent, helping us every day—be they biological, adoptive or spiritual children we may have the privilege to disciple over the years. So that when we are finished we can see something very beautiful. Not just what is close at hand, but the impact that we make will be farther than our eyes can see; with our children's children, and their children, and so on.

Lord, we pray you would help us be the best possible examples to those we are responsible for, and in so doing, honor You even when the climb can be treacherous and difficult to maneuver. Amen

Copyright © 2016 Beatrice Fishback. Used by permission.