Plop! That was the sound made as his diaper-covered rear end met
the living room carpet. I was thankful for the extra cushion as I watched my
son’s chubby little feet take another step. It was a shaky start but he was determined
to master the art of balance. As i reached out my hands he fell into my arms and we danced with excitement!
Now here we are, almost 16 years later. I often wonder where
the time went. To the outside world, he’s a typical moody teenager who
thinks he knows it all. But oftentimes to me, he’s still this toddler learning
to walk. Sound familiar? I’ve been reminded of his current stage of life
several times over the last few years. It’s not the deeper voice or change
of height that’s the reality check so much but rather the steps he’s taken
toward adulthood. Driving, landing a job, facing life altering decisions. Adolescents go through such highs and lows
during this phase. Our children aren’t
alone as they experience the roller coaster of emotions either. They take us parents
along for the ride too. Sorry, Mom and
Dad. I get it now.
Early on, in an effort to keep my son from making the same
mistakes I did, I started him off on the way he should go so that when he
becomes old, he won’t turn from it. (Prov. 22:6 NIV) The command to love God
with all your heart, soul and strength was impressed on him and talked about
just as Deuteronomy 6 states. In fact, his love for God has grown and been
evident in his passion and boldness to share the good news with others.
But, he is no different than anyone else. Kids are faced with temptations, peer-pressure and loss. My son has had to tread through some of this as of late. There's not quite as much celebration this time around. There are so many teachable moments children go through. But, so often we miss that we, as adults, have just as much to learn.
As my son grasps the lesson that painful consequences follow bad choices, I am getting the hang of how to
discipline, parent, listen without losing it and offer grace all at once.
As he figures out who his true friends are, I am being taught how to call
on mine for encouragement and prayer without worry of judgement. The best
lesson of all is one that we are both being trained in…how much we need to
depend and rely on God through any and all circumstances.
Whatever age any of us find ourselves, we are all children. His children. He is there with his hands stretched out waiting to guide, protect and care for us. So, rest easy Mamas and Daddys remembering He has the whole world in his hands. Including our own children.
