The Journey

I was reading a parenting book last night and the author quoted a Taoist saying (how appropriate!): "The journey is the reward."  I don't think there is a better way to sum up parenting. It's so true! Every day, every new milestone, every challenge, every joy is all part of the reward. Parents do millions of things we don't want to do, but we lovingly do them because they are in the best interest of our child/ren. "The journey is the reward." That just sums it up, doesn't it? There are days when it's not easy and there are days that are completely joyous and the sum of it all is what makes us parents. Through thick and thin we are parents. There are days that really test our patience and it doesn't matter how your child joined your family, that's just the reality of parenthood. But parenthood is also having your heart fill up when you see a certain expression on your child's face or you hear that charming laugh bubbling out of your child or they decide to give you a kiss or hug out of the blue and it just melts your heart.

So today, when I'm not sure what else to say about these precious children, I just remind you that the journey is the reward. Each of these children has joy in them and they just need a parent to share it with. Enjoy it, live it, push through the challenges and you will all come out stronger. There are no guarantees in life, so be flexible and enjoy your journey.