It’s amazing how bringing a little person into the world can change you. Not only are you forever connected by blood to this new eternal soul, you are also responsible for the raising and training of that soul. Parenting has changed me in countless ways. I’ve often remarked how God has used parenting to reveal my sin-and depths of sin I never knew existed.

A blogging friend of mine, Wick Anderson, has written a book titled “Different: how God uses parenting to transform us wholly.” He too has experienced the major changes that parenting brings. Upon reflecting on those changes, he points out how God uses those changes to bring about spiritual growth in our walk with Christ. From changes in commitments and priorities to growth in relationships, humility and forgiveness, our daily lives as parents give us many opportunities to learn and be transformed. Wick challenges us to look at the areas in our life where we need to grow in our walk with Christ.

Providing humorous and lighthearted examples of life with three daughters, Wick uses these examples to point out how parenting changes us. This is not a how-to parenting book, but rather an honest look at the unique ways in which being a parent can move us forward in our faith. Instead of looking back on life with young children with a sense of regret for what we didn’t do, we need to seize each moment and use it as an opportunity for change. Children not only hold up mirrors to reflect our sin to us, they also reveal to us the heart of the Kingdom. Their quick forgiveness, excitement about life, and eagerness to try new things remind us of what Jesus said about needing faith like a child.

I hope you’ll visit Wick’s blog to learn more about him and his heart. Interested in reading the book? You’ll find a link to purchase the book on his blog.