Being a Parent is another Universe

I had a friend tell me recently that singles and marrieds without kids are more closely linked than marrieds and marrieds with kids. I think I tend to believe him. I don't have kids yet. My wife and I talk about almost every other day. I want to have them, but we are praying though the right timing - trying to make a decision on greater factors than "i want to have a kid in the spring, summer, fall, whatever."

As we are thinking and preparing, I've been watching parents like a hawk. I watch where there time and energy goes, especially with young kids. It's absolutely crazy. I've seen both good and bad parents. I've seen those who discipline their children well, and those who don't. But, it is certainly another planet in another galaxy. In a sense, you are reborn with your kids. You go through their growth stages. You play with their toys - the cool Ben 10 watch or High School Musical party supplies. You video tape everything. You spend more on photo equipment than your own entertainment. Your world is turned upside down.

The family unit the fundamental building block of our nation, and it has been under attack. For years now, it has suffered sever casualties. Divorce rates have sky rocketed, and now the advice is even trial marriages. Just have a wife, divorce her as practice, til you get it right. Kids are an afterthought and a last ditch effort. They are not viewed as a blessing from the Lord. They are nothing but burdens hindering YOUR plans and YOUR life. Seems to me, there is only one way to survive. And it is God's plan. The parents are looking at Christ in the center of the marriage. The kids are the next ring out, looking at the parents, looking at Christ. When parents turn their focus or replace the center of the marriage with their kids instead of Christ - ballgame. Learn from the mistakes!