>>>BY CHRIS CHERP
In life we face many changes, from graduations to promotions. One change I don’t think anyone is completely prepared for is becoming a parent.
We can read as many parenting books as we possibly can, but the fact remains that on-the-job training is different than any story found in a book. The experience is life changing in every way.
The Bible tells us that children are a reward from God (Psalm 127:3). They are an expression of His love for us. The birth of a child is a clear sign that God is very much into everyday miracles. The fact that a woman can give birth to a child and still live, let alone consider having another baby down the road, is mesmerizing. However, the true love from God is experienced when that little baby begins to say “momma” or “dada.”
Any new parent can tell you that the first few months is the hazing into the “fraternity” known as parenthood. You can go to Babies R’ Us and see zombie-like parents walking around carrying their newborns. It’s funny how after two or three years some parents (like myself) tend to forget about the sleep deprivation and dirty diapers, then come up with the great idea of having another baby! Yet, it is all worth it; we just need some balance.
Having a career, getting at least three straight hours of sleep, taking care of a new family, and keeping up the romantic relationship with your spouse can be the hardest balancing act ever attempted. Unfortunately, the latter is what seems to suffer the most. As new parents, we tend to focus all of our attention on the child while the husband and wife relationship suffers. If this overlooked area is not addressed, it can lead to future trouble.
New parents can fail to see that the mommy and daddy are the foundation of the household. If the foundation is not solid, the household can begin to crumble. A crumbling household is a terrible thing for children to be exposed to. This happens when we don’t make an effort to spend the ever important one-on-one time with each other as husband and wife.
If the balancing act of new parenthood is beginning to take a toll on your relationship with your spouse, then it’s time to start planning a monthly date night. Even if you have to put the kids to bed early just to spend an hour or two alone together—do it! This will be the beginning of a journey that will remind you of why you got married in the first place. The foundation will remain solid and future disaster will be avoided. Balance your life with a little romance and fall in love all over again.
