Happy Parenthood Day...

I don't know if you watch the NBC show Parenthood (I actually got turned on to it by a friend who has an autistic son, and one of the issues the show deals with is autism.)  Anyhoo, on yesterday's episode (yay for DVR), one of the characters has a baby.  During that scene, I was just watching it thinking about that moment....it's SOOOO AMAZING!!!! I know every parent...as well as those who have been a part of the birthing process on whatever level...  remembers it.  Yeah, the pushing and breathing  and the ice chips and the lip balm (for the dry lips) are unforgettable, but I'm talking about the welcoming of a life into this world.  I still marvel at the idea.  I mean, I get the science of it and how a sperm meets an egg and so on and so forth, but when I think of the portal...the vessel I was able to be for LIFE.... I'm WOWED!  When I think of what God allowed me and my husband to do...I'm GRATEFUL!
I am often reminded of that when I'm overwhelmed or when I'm tired and frustrated and overextended in one way or another....I look at Grace and remember.  We often say it...they didn't ask to be here and on top of that, the time and effort it took to get her here are invaluable.  It's a moment that really stays with me. 
As a parent, no matter what age or stage, we really do have an awesome responsibility....to love and care for them as the grow; to guide and nurture them along the way; and to pass on a legacy and a heritage that will live on even after we're gone.  It's unofficial, but Happy Parenthood Day!