Ah, parenting--the ultimate character-building occupation. What other job gives you the opportunity to change a screaming baby's diapers at 2:00 a.m., get dragged downstairs to the Christmas tree by a squealing toddler at 5:00 in the morning, and pace fretfully through the living room as midnight approaches wondering what your teenager could possibly be doing out so late at night? It's a tough job that demands more energy and effort than you ever imagined.

But there's more to parenthood than merely putting in the hours; the responsibilities of a parent don't end with simply keeping your children fed and clothed. No other human endeavor places such a responsibility in your hands--the responsibility to raise godly, mature children--to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4)? Whether your children are going through the "terrible twos" or the terrible teens, you as a parent are the most important figure in their lives, with the responsibility to teach and guide them as they grow to be independent, unique members of God's creation.

How marvelous that sounds--and how difficult it is to live out! If you're feeling overwhelmed, even frightened, by the responsibilities of parenthood, you needn't face your fears alone. Who better to turn to with your worries and concerns than the Designer and Creator of you and those children, Who stands ready to offer guidance, wisdom, and, when necessary, forgiveness? No amount of exasperation caused by His children on earth has ever overcome His love for them or undermined his relationship with His people. So bring the burdens of your responsibilities to God, Who promises to shoulder their weight (Matthew 11:28) and to freely give you wisdom when you ask Him for it (James 1:5).