The Relationship
God puts such a value on parenting that he would identify himself to us as a Father because a parent is the best explanation of the relationship he wants to have with us. Since it is so important, set goals with the end in mind to help you be the parent, the grandparent, the great-grandparent, or even the parent-to-be that God has in mind.
The Stages
Being a parent means your role is always changing. When your kids are small you’re in the Discipline Years teaching right and wrong and consequences. As they get older and begin school you move into the Training Years explaining the why behind all those rules you taught. Then the teen years become the Coaching Years where you seek to connect more than correct, so that when you enter the Friendship Years (18+) you are consulted for input and advice.