by the Reverend Alja Tollefsen

Vicar of St Cross, Knutsford

Last week I visited a young mum to organise a baptism.

The baby to be baptised was three months old and adorable.

I also played a bit with the older child, whom I know quite well from his visits to church.

It was just lovely to sit there and watch the things he was doing.

It reminded me of the time that my own children were young.

We have many happy memories that we will cherish the rest of our lives.

If I had to start over again tomorrow, I would not hesitate a minute and I would put in all my energy and love.

Would my children be happy?

Would we have the energy left to cope with all the challenges especially when they reach puberty?

I don't think that the perfect parent exists but is it right to become a parent at 62? To be a parent is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

It needs careful planning and looking into the future to consider possible problems. We will not be able, though, to foresee every problem, but at the start we can decide to put in all the energy we can muster, all the love that is in us as well as all our energy and time. Let us pray to our Father in heaven for whatever we fall short.