No one is ever completely prepared to be a parent. Fortunately, God has placed us in a community that can help us figure it out. “It takes a village to raise a child” may be a cliché, but it’s true.
Nick was diagnosed with a rare muscular disease when he was born. No one could possibly be prepared for all that this would bring. Some shied away, but other brave friends and family members stepped in and helped Nick’s parents find their footing.
As he grew, teachers, aides, doctors, and grandparents helped parent Nick and reassured his parents, boosting their confidence. Together they loved Nick and through the grace of God they understood him, even though he could not speak.
God’s loving knowledge of us permeates our selves and our souls. Though we cannot hope to know one another so profoundly, we can help each other figure out how to love and care for our community.
Take time to remember those “in the village” who have mothered you.
This message was adapted from “Celebrating the Village” by Anne Basye that appeared in the May 2004 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine.
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