One of the most amazing experiences we will ever have is giving birth to a kid. However, being a parent is no easy thing; anyone who says differently has never been one.

The unavoidable fact is that raising a family is a journey and one that is not always joyful and enjoyable. There are ups and downs, just like with anything priceless. We intend to give children everything while they are young, but life frequently has other plans. As our obligations and expenses increase, it may become more and more difficult to keep up with the Joneses.

Sadly, Cassandra Lane is all too familiar with this. She is the mother of five children, and she has undoubtedly experienced the financial hardships that life has thrown our way. There are times when their home’s finances are tight and sacrifices must be made.

She is aware that raising children isn’t only about money, of course. Despite the fact that she occasionally wishes she could give her kids new clothes, she believes that loving them is the most essential thing regardless of the money situation.

One day, however, her self-confidence found itself rocked. When Cassandra became aware of what was happening in the homes of other kids her son’s age, her faith in her own parenting skills plummeted.

She encountered the issue while taking pictures of her son Zeke. They were getting photographs taken for his senior year of high school. It came up during a talk she had with Zeke a few days later.

Cassandra was so affected by the experience that she decided to tell others about it on Facebook.

She wrote:

“Earlier this week we went to get Zeke’s senior yearbook pictures. On the way, I noticed his hands. Working hands. Hands that look familiarly like my dad’s work-stained hands and like Brandon’s in the early years of our marriage.

I told him not to worry about it because they were doing headshots. I was wrong.”

“As we sat in line, I notice kids in letterman jackets with their class rings. And I notice Zeke’s stained hands. I began to tear up. Have I given him everything a parent should give to their child as he has grown up? He works out in the heat, 30-40 hours a week during the summer. He didn’t want a class ring or a letterman jacket. He didn’t get a new car. The mommy comparison game tells me I didn’t show him how much I love him with things. I left there feeling bad about myself and how we have raised our son

I’ve been reflecting the last few days and crying a lot, honestly. I apologized to Zeke and he laughed at me. He said, ‘Why are you sorry? Because you’ve taught me to work hard for things I want? Because I know the value of a dollar? Because I’m not going to think that I deserve to have everything I want?’

And my sister reminded me that the best things in life aren’t things, but relationships, and any shortfalls in my parenting are covered by God’s grace. So, mama’s, if you’re struggling with the parenting comparison game, just know that God gave you the babies you have because he wanted you, YOU, to be their mama. Not someone else

I am beyond proud of Zeke, who has taken his brother shopping for a canoe today, using his money that he earned in a vehicle that he fixed with his own hands and gas he paid for by himself. I’m not ready for Zeke to grow up, but I think he’s well on his way.

Zeke is content to have a family that has shown him what is actually important in life rather than being upset about what he hasn’t been given. Being given everything you’ve ever desired without having to work for it is never a good thing.

It just doesn’t matter that as a parent you may not be able to provide your kids with everything they ask for. The most important things are love and compassion, and they don’t cost anything.

Sources: Taphaps, Hrtwarming, Lovewhatmatters