This reminded me of my children. Even though the race is the same, its just a different day, we can never expect things to go the same way. Each pregnancy, each labor, each growing process is different. Parenting, like many others things, is an ever changing-ever learning process. I am sure you can think of many examples of what I am talking about. For me I think about pregnancy immediately. I was a happy pregnant lady first time around, but with Milo it was one of the hardest 9 months of my life. Then I think about transitioning into school. Braydon's first year of preschool was extremely hard on him, but Milo transitioned into school almost effortlessly. Braydon and Milo were very healthy babies, but Luca, starting at 5 weeks, had a ton of respiratory difficulties and food allergies. A few months ago, Luca pooped at Target while we were shopping and somehow one side of his diaper came undone. Before I knew what was going on I see Luca waddling towards me with poop falling out of his pant leg. I remember saying, "In the seven years of diapers, this has NEVER happened!" So the examples of new experiences can truly come in any shape or form. Each child brings along their own needs and struggles and the way I respond and help had to be different as well. When I see my family, I see the uniqueness of each person and how they have changed me, blessed me, and stretched me.
Lately, I have had a more than usual amount of friends and family ask me for prayer and guidance. I will gladly do so, I want to help in any way that I can. I think what God wants each person to know is that they are not alone. The struggle has a purpose and He is there. I know all of us have parts of our lives that contain pain and hurt and that some days are way harder than others. I pray that peace through the storm will be found. Remember that it's ok to say, "God your going to have to do this, because I can't."