"Take Up Your Cross" When it comes to Parenting

In Mark 8:34 Jesus tells his disciples, and anyone else who would follow to "deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." What Jesus is referring to is the path of suffering and crucifixion he would endure.

Self-denial can be a powerful religious discipline. But here Jesus is not talking about self-denial for its own sake. He is talking about making him the center of our lives instead our ourselves. He wants us to put our selfish nature aside and embrace his ways.

One area in which I am constantly reminded to deny myself is in parenting. I have two daughters, and often when I come home from work I'd like to sort the mail, read the newspaper, or just sit down and relax. I would like some "me" time.

But when I come in the door, my kids want my attention. Self denial means putting their needs ahead of my own. Instead of putting in a video and letting them sit (so I can relax), I'm called to interact with them, to talk about their day, to laugh and play with them, and to read and interact.

The great irony of giving away our lives is that along the way we find Jesus. We become more familiar with his ways and how he came to give his life for us. We find what true life is all about. We find the joy or serving others and an appreciation for how Christ came to serve and not to be served.

The next time you're tempted to put others aside and take some "me" time, remember that children are a gift from God and that they are brought into our lives to teach us about ourselves and so that we can learn how to put others first.