How did my baby boy become a teenager? I can’t believe we have two thirteen-year-olds in the house right now!
It seems like just yesterday they were tiny little tots that loved to jump on the bed without the danger of reaching the ceiling fan. They would crawl all over their Daddy like he was their own personal jungle gym. And now they’re both taller than me. That’s not saying much due to my petite frame. But since my oldest son was born, I’ve always prayed that the Lord would allow my children to be much much taller than me!
I still remember anxiously watching them as they slept in their cribs to just hear them breathe and reassure myself they were okay. With all the talk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome when they were born and the different opinions about making babies sleep on their back, or no, they need to sleep on their stomach, or no, their side is better, you could never be too careful.
And even now, I must admit that in the quiet of the night, I still like to watch them sleep and listen to their breathing. Even my oldest son when he comes home to visit. I can hear them already—“You stalker, Mom!! That’s so creepy!”
But will you deny the indulgences of a mother who loves her children? They are at such peace when they sleep. And still, you can sometimes see those chubby baby faces within their now mature countenances. And you reminiscence and thank the Lord for all those growing-up years, all those precious moments when they were so young and innocent and dependent upon you. You recall the many blessings and are thankful for each one. Our memories can bring us such joy.
Where does the time go anyway? It seems like the years just continue to flow one right into the other. They continue to grow in stature and wisdom buying newer clothes and beginning their studies at new schools. We are already talking with recruiters about our daughter’s college future! When did that happen? Yes, she just started her freshman year of high school, but I guess you can never start too early when seeking athletic scholarships!
The moment your children are born, you start planning for their future. Where will you live and what are the best schools they should attend? What church will you fellowship at? What friends will you allow them to have? What activities will they be involved in? Do they exhibit a rhythmic beat when they play with their toys? Do they love to run or swim? Do they enjoy reading or making things? Do they like team sports or individual competition?
If we are wise, we will first pray that the Lord will show us their strengths so that we can then give our children opportunities to learn and excel in these areas. God’s purpose and plan for their lives is so much greater than our own.
I hear too much talk these days about parents encouraging or even forcing their children into fields of study that they want their child to pursue though the child has no interest whatsoever of working in that area for the rest of their life. We need to take a step back and not live our lives through our children but to allow them to be who God created them to be. We already had and continue to have our own lives to live. Our children should be given the opportunity to pursue their own dreams and desires. Where will they be happy making a living? What occupation will bring them joy?
And so we try to encourage our kids to try new things. If they don’t like them, they stop doing them. But if we find something that they truly have a passion for, we support them in their efforts to pursue these activities. And we always teach them to work hard and persevere in All that they do. If something is worth having, it’s worth fighting for and putting in 100% effort all the time.
And if their passions change, then we make adjustments. Many college students decide to change their majors after studying in one field and then realize they would much prefer to work in another field. Even after college, many adults, my husband included, find that their first profession is actually not their true calling and so they make the move to an entirely different industry. We all need to find our purpose in this life and encourage our children to find theirs.
My baby, now thirteen, has big dreams of attending and playing football at USC. Though he’s played rec and travel basketball for several years, his true passion is playing football. And so we encourage him to do both. With one year of Pop Warner football and several football camps, clinics, and seasons of flag behind him, we know this boy will be excited to try-out for the high school team next year. But we don’t want him to totally give up basketball either. It’s okay to be a multi-sport athlete in high school as long as academics don’t suffer! And hair line designs like the pros wear are pretty cool too!
Whatever the future holds for our children, we will be there to support their decisions to excel and find their place in life. My baby, now teenager, already has formulated goals for his future though he is still a kid who loves to game on his Xbox. I’m still holding on to this big baby and cherishing the memories I’ve been blessed with but also praying that the Lord will lead him to His higher purposes. I pray that I won’t get in His way.
What dreams do your children have? Do you encourage them to pursue their dreams or instead try to influence them with your own?
Until next time…Joy in the King!
Laurie
Photo credit: Laurie Jamora
