From the very moment you decide to become parents, your life begins to morph into an entirely new paradigm that words fail to describe. You will be taken on the ride of your life, for the rest of your life, that will turn you every which way but loose…so hold on tight. You will feel, see, and learn a set of life’s truths that can only be understood through the blessings reserved for parents.

1. There is a God.
During your nine month journey, beginning with conception, you lay witness to the creation of a unique, brand new human being. Without any outside influence, one cell divides into two and then two into four as the miracle of life continuously unfolds and blossoms inside the womb. When that magical moment arrives, as you meet your child for the first time, an unexpected, overwhelming sense of peace floods your senses as any doubts questioning the presence of God are purged. The paradox is this miracle of life is given so freely many often take it for granted thus dispelling its majesty.

2. Selfless Love
From the moment this child enters your life, an all-consuming love is permanently etched in your heart and never fades away. This unique love, that’s greater than self, naturally has no boundaries. This love has no prerequisites or strings attached. In fact, the only part of selfless love that doesn’t come natural is the wisdom to know when to enact its counterpart…tough love. If you’re not quite sure what tough love is, it usually follows the words “this is going to hurt me much more than it’s going to hurt you”…and you better believe it does. Thus is the term tough love. If you develop the courage to use it when needed, your relationship with your child will pay tremendous dividends. No one said this parenting thing would be easy, but if done out of love…selfless love, it is truly rewarding.

3. Your child is gifted.
If there’s one refrain I’ve heard from parents more than any other it’s the phrase: my child is gifted. The reality is…your child is gifted…gifted beyond imagination. But make no mistake about it… it’s those selfless loving parents who bring those gifts to fruition. You show me a child who has cultivated his gifts and I’ll show you parents who have given their all.

4. As a parent you are adored…at least for a while.
For about the first 10 years of your child’s life you will experience love like you never have before. They’ll want you to be a part of everything they do, every move they make, every breath they take…thank you Sting. She’ll be sad when you leave her presence and ecstatic when you return. You’ll have the power to make or break her world through a single word or action…so choose them wisely. Yes, you’ll have more influence over your child than you can imagine. She will want to be just like you, which leads me to #5.

5. It’s not what you say…it’s what you do that resonates.
Your words will teach but your actions will rule. For instance, the influence a father has over his son is absolutely staggering. If you observe closely the father and son relationship, you’ll find that the boy will practically shadow his dad. He will choose the same words as well as mimic his mannerisms. He’ll even wear his clothes the same way down to the tilt of the cap. He’ll watch and copy the way his dad treats others. He’ll cheer for the same teams…he’ll want to be just like his old man.

What a wonderful opportunity and awesome responsibility you have along the way because many of these influences are ingrained for a lifetime.

Bill Peak
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