some days. . . .it's just TOUGH being a parent! trying to help your children without enabling them, listening to them without discouraging them, nurturing without being possessive, knowing when to "stand in the gap" and when to let them stand for themselves.  Honestly I had no clue 32+ years ago how painfully tough it would be to parent; I mean none of those "self-help, 5 helpful hints to raising perfect children. etc" say anything about a parents love, how deep and vast it is and how forgiving, no matter the depth of hurt.  Yet I have a Father who knows my pain, my anguish; a Father (who gave up His only son for a lost and wicked world) who will love me, guide me, encourage and even, at times, reprimand me! I'm glad for it; I pray it continues to "refine" me into more of His image. . . .more of Him. . . .less of me! On those days, like today especially, when I feel completely inadequate, as a parent, I fall to my knees asking God to intercede, to carry me. . . . ."how deep the Fathers Love for us"