Your so proud of them each time they are able to achieve something new for the first time, and yet you want to grab hold of them and say, "Wait! Not so fast! I'm not ready yet!"
Our babies are now fifteen and twelve. Not babies to the world, just to Shannon and me.
Teenage drama, girls, difficult school subjects, bullies, hormones, mood swings....these are just a few of the new things we are facing each day with our boys.
I can't help them the way I used to. Band aids and kisses don't fix things anymore. The problems that they face now are not always ones that Shannon and I can jump in and take care of. Even if we could take care of the problems for them, sometimes we shouldn't. They have to learn to figure things out for themselves. They have to learn to deal with situations that are thrown their way. They have to face the consequences of their own decisions. Problems come to all of us. The only way to know how to handle them is through trial and error. Learning to lean on God alone.
As parents you hope that you have given them the skills and the examples of how to cope with all of life's difficult issues. You hope you have taught them well about God. How He is the main One you should turn to in this life for answers to all the questions that arise. I know that Shannon and I made many mistakes as parents. I pray that they learn from our mistakes, so that they never have to repeat them. God never wastes our pain. There is always something to learn in all situations that we go through, whether good or bad. God uses all things for the good of those who love Him.
As I am learning to let go of them, I have all new questions for God. How much should I do for them, Lord? Should I let them do this on their own? Should I step in and help them this time? Sometimes I pray, "Calm my heart, Lord. Fear is creeping in. I want to keep holding on, but I know I have to let go."
Ecclesiastes 3:5,7
"...a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,..."
I pray that God gives me the wisdom and faith needed to embrace this time and season as a parent. My heart clings to His promises.
Proverbs 22:6
"Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it."
4 comments:
Amen.
this is one of the most difficult lessons I have had to learn. To let go...but then you have to WATCH as they make some decisions you DO NOT agree with. I prayed and asked God to give me strength to be a good parent. Did He give me strength? Well what He gave me was the opportunity (many of them) to be strong!!!
wow this goes along with the message I left you on myspace. It is hard when you know your children are making bad choices, but I am believing that she will turn back to God.
Love ya,
Liz :)
Amen to that sister!
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