Parenthood is full of beautiful, joyful moments, but it can also be exhausting, frustrating, and overwhelming. Sometimes we move through our days so quickly that we don't have much time to notice what we're feeling or where God might be meeting us in the midst of it all.
This simple Examen is an invitation to slow down, reflect on your life as a parent, and bring all of it into God's presence.
Begin by sitting in silence and becoming aware of God's presence. He is always with us, even when our minds aren't turned toward him. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to rest in the knowledge that he is near.
Think about the past day, week, month, or even year of parenthood. You might choose to reflect on a particular season or simply see what memories come to mind. There's no need to analyze everything. Just notice.
What moments are you thankful for? Were there times of laughter and togetherness? Moments of honesty and vulnerability? Perhaps there were small, ordinary moments that brought you joy or reminded you of the gift of being a parent. Take some time to thank God for these moments.
As you think about this season of parenthood, what feelings surface? Is there sadness or grief? Is there deep joy? Maybe there is frustration, worry, or exhaustion. Perhaps there is a combination of many things. You don't need to change or explain these feelings. Simply notice them and allow yourself to be honest with God about what you're experiencing.
Lift it all up to God. The gratitude, the disappointment, the laughter, the mistakes, the hopes, and the worries. He is with you in all of it. You don't have to be a perfect parent to be loved by God, and you don't have to have everything figured out to bring it to him.
Finally, look toward tomorrow. What do you hope to carry with you into the next day with your children? Is there something you want to do differently? Something you want to remember or hold on to? Perhaps God is inviting you toward greater patience, more playfulness, or simply a willingness to be present.
As you finish, take another moment of silence. Remember that God loves your children even more than you do, and that he is at work in their lives and yours.
You might close with a simple prayer:
Jesus, thank you for the gift of these children and for your presence in our lives. Help me to notice your goodness in the ordinary moments, to trust you with the difficult ones, and to love my children with the love you so generously give to me. Amen.