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For parents who could use some “thank yous”

Dear Parent,

Raising children is truly Kingdom work, and it is far from easy. So today we send some “thank yous” your way in an effort to remind you of the God who sees you, knows you, and loves you, and who has been with you every step of this (often thankless) parenting journey.

Thank you for saying yes to the life of another,

for surrendering parts of your own story

and embracing sacrificial love.

Thank you for the time, energy, and resources

you have poured out for a child who,

at the start, had nothing to offer you in return.

Thank you for opening your heart to the

devastating love of becoming a parent.

Thank you for waking up at 5 a.m. to warm the bottle,

rock the baby, stir the oatmeal, and entertain the toddler.

Thank you for cleaning up all the messes—

for sweeping and wiping and washing your hands raw

from the bodily fluids, sand and dirt,

paint and glue, peanut butter and avocados.

Thank you for preparing all the meals,

for scheduling all the appointments,

for thinking ahead to the next season’s needs,

for buying new shoes and clothes (and often

neglecting your own worn-out wardrobe),

for taking care of sick kids even when you

have also gotten the flu and could use some

TLC yourself.

Thank you for managing the endless carousel

of dishes and laundry, changing the sheets and sorting the socks.

Thank you for rescuing those tiny Lego pieces

from under the couch, for walking the dog they begged you for,

for stocking the pantry with each child's favorite snacks,

for making holidays feel special and staying up late to

bake a cake, clean the kitchen, wrap the presents.

Thank you for putting your own wants on hold,

for saying “no” to that job opportunity because

it meant missing an important dance recital.

And… thank you for saying “yes” to that other

job opportunity because it meant paying

some bills and modeling the value of hard work.

Thank you for ignoring the cultural pressures

that prize appearances, wealth, and quick fixes—

for listening to the voice of wisdom instead,

valuing the eternal over the temporary,

the heart of the child over mindless obedience.

Thank you for shepherding the natural stubbornness

of an adolescent when they think they know it all,

for giving them space to grow

even when it breaks your heart.

Thank you for honoring their “aha” moments

without pointing out… this is exactly what

I’ve been trying to tell you for months.

Through every season of parenting,

thank you for the grace you’ve given them,

the grace you’ve given yourself,

and the way you believe and trust that

Jesus is enough.

He sees you, he knows you, he loves you.

Family Connection Moment

Consider an appreciation circle during a family dinner. Ask everyone to call out things they have recently appreciated about others, not to ask for applause or pats on the back, but to cultivate gratitude in all of you.

Author: Alli R. Dahlgren

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