Being Thankful for Stepchildren

I'll never forget the counselor's words when my  husband and I began seeing a therapist at the beginning of our marriage. "You might consider it a privilege to take part in parenting your stepchildren. Could you consider that?" What??? Was he listening to my pleas for help? No, I couldn't consider what he was asking. 

As we move toward the Thanksgiving holiday, it's a great time to count our blessings and offer thanksgiving. In the early years of our marriage, I would have never given thanks for my stepchildren. But, 15 years later, I can say, "I'm thankful for my stepchildren, and the part I've played as their stepparent."

My stepchildren have taught me patience and perseverance during painful periods. I've been forced to build a character of steel and skin as thick as mud to make it through tough times. But I've learned I can endure almost anything and come out successfuly on the other side, with God's help.

My stepchildren have taught me that family isn't always blood-related. I can learn to love my stepchildren like my own. I can offer Christ-like forgiveness even when they don't deserve it. And I can be proud of earning love and respect from my them, in spite of my stepparenting blunders.

Stepparenting isn't easy, but it offers the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. Will you embrace that privilege?

Are you thankful for your stepchildren? Will you share why you're thankful for them?

Related Posts:

Stepparenting Rewards

Five Strategies for Successful Stepparenting

How Stepparenting Compares to Marathon Running

Lowering Your Expectations While Your Family Blends