Force of Nature or Feverish Clod?

I read that quote this morning in Francis Chan’s book “Crazy Love.” As a parent myself, I have sacrificed much for my children, but was it the right sacrifice? Did I stop being a force of nature and become a whiny clod? If you, like me, have had cloddish moments, then consider what event, person or difficult time managed to convince you to settle for some extra inches, some spirituality, some sickness, some falling apart at the seams. Here’s a serious-slash-humorous clip from “Raising Hope” that depicts what I’m talking about, sortof.
 
Depleted. Many parents feel depleted emotionally, spiritually and physically. They are sleep-deprived, spiritually hungry and searching, and often lonely. Why do we settle for that? Is it okay for a woman’s belly to stay big? What’s a few more inches on top of that? Is it okay for men to have huge “beer-bellies” and prostate problems?

Which is better for our kids: to watch us sitting like “clods” on the couch whining about going and eating worms because nobody likes us and our bodies are falling apart and we’re too tired to cook so let’s order a pizza …. or …. to watch us chasing our dreams, to see us living full and joy-filled lives taking them along for the ride (not abandoning them in the process) and therefore teaching them how to become powerful and effective people themselves? More importantly, which option would make our Creator stand back, smile and say “Now that’s what I had in mind!”