Parenthood

Entering into 2011 I realize that this is the year that I turn 30. So naturally I start reflecting on where I pictured my life being when I hit 30.  The fantasy of what I had imagine and the reality of what it really is don't even compare to one another.  I guess that's pretty typical.  I had it all figured out when I was young, I was going to finish college and then get married at 27 and then have my first kid sometime around now.   I think that's what most young girls think.  Well the reality, I'm a single mom of an amazing daughter that is about to be 7 and I have a great job that is offering some nice opportunities in my future, but I never did graduate college and marriage doesn't appear to be anywhere in my near future.....lol.
I must say though, that even as a single mom, being a parent is the most wonderful and fulfilling role I have ever experienced in life.  It's taught me more than I think I could ever teach my daughter!  I've learned that even though I am the only one responsible for making the life altering decisions that most parents make together, I can turn to God for the guidance I need and He always provides the right answer.  He has watched over us and met our needs in ways most people could only imagine.  And He has taught me to look to Him to fill the void in Teresa's life, "A Father to the Fatherless" - Psalm 68:5 as well as my own life.  "I love you, Lord, You are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior. My God is my rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3
I know I'm not the perfect parent but I do any and everything I can to teach my daughter right from wrong.  Some of the most precious moments in my life are when I wake up before her and climb in the bed beside her to read my Bible and I can place my hands on her sweet little face and pray for God to keep her in His hands and protect her innocent mind and thoughts and to be with her when I'm not by her side and that she would learn at an early age to hear His voice and make the right choices.  It brings a peace to my heart that I never thought I would have. I anticipated living the rest of my life in a struggle to make it and in fear.  It's amazing how much God has changed that for me.  Peace of mind is one of the most precious gifts God has given me!

Parenthood is a privilege that alot of people seem to take too lightly.  When you make the decision to have a child, your entire life changes.  It's no longer about self, every decision you make effects your child and that is what you have to keep in mind.  It breaks my heart at how many parents do more for themselves than for their own children.  Your lifestyle has to change.  You change who you surround yourself with.  You change how you think of EVERYTHING.  I know I can't protect her from everything and everyone but I can do all that I can to raise her up to be a Godly woman.  I can keep her from places she could be exposed to fowl language and alcohol use.  I can keep her from watching television programs that introduce her to teenage or adult issues while she's only a child.  I can play Christian music and teach her how to praise God no matter what. 
Anyways, enough of my rambling.  I am just so thankful to be where I am in life.  I know God has great plans for both Teresa and I in the future.  And I'm thankful to be the parent of such a wonderful little blessing.  She's not only my daughter but also my friend and I love her so much.  I love how excited she is about life and how much she already loves God.  I love that we can worship together, go shopping together and watch football together.  I also love how knowing that she looks up to me and wants to be like me holds me accountable to live like I should.  Parenthood is such a blessing, in so many different ways!