Parents often think of their children’s future. What will they become? A veterinarian, an accountant, a plumber, a lawyer? Most parents, myself included, only want happiness for their children so they can have a good life. We want our children to learn the value of setting goals, working hard toward their goals, and to grow up to be the very best versions of themselves.

I recently began attending a rather large church in our community. It has a very large worship center, along with several family rooms for people with small children, where they stream the service on a large TV screen and have books, toys, etc. to keep the little ones busy.

Today, as I was sitting with my daughter and grandchildren in the family room, along with several other parents with small children, I started thinking about so many years ago when I had my three little ones and how it always seemed like such a struggle that sometimes now I feel that I missed so many of the joyous moments.

In between cleaning the messes, changing the diapers, paying the bills, and of course, keeping the tiny humans alive, I was so focused on all of the day to day struggles that I didn’t savor the wonderfulness of being the one chosen to guide these tiny humans though the obstacle course of life. Of course, I enjoyed all of the hugs, kisses, cuddles, movie nights, baseball games, etc., I just wish I would have focused more on those moments instead of spending so much of that time in survival mode.

When my children were small, I was a single mother for several years. I feel like I did so many things wrong. I yelled a lot. We moved a lot. At the time, it seemed like such a hectic time. Sometimes I wish I could go back and change so many things, but at the same time I’m so glad I can’t.

All three of my, now adult, children, have accomplished what every parent dreams. They have all grown up to be happy and successful in their chosen fields. I have five grandchildren who remind me every day of my own children. Sometimes, actually oftentimes, I call them by my children’s names by mistake. Maybe that’s just a grandma thing, or maybe it’s because I can see my children in them so my mind takes me back and gives me a brief moment to have a do-over where I don’t forget to enjoy those beautiful little moments, listening to their sweet little voices telling silly stories, and of course, the hugs and kisses that go by all to quickly.

Out of all of the things I feel like I have done wrong over the years of raising my children and all of the things I wish I could go back and do over, I’m thankful that I can’t because I realize the struggles of my past were what shaped my children’s lives. They grew up knowing the value of hard work. They grew up knowing the importance of getting an education. They grew up to be exactly who they were meant to be. God now gives me those wonderful little moments that I feel I missed in the hearts of my grandchildren. As I was sitting in church today thinking about all of this I realized, I couldn’t possibly be more blessed.

God is good!