When I was pregnant with my oldest (now 26 with two children of her own), one song in particular was always on my mind...The Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. I remember saying to myself..."I am not going to be like that!" I didn't want to miss out on anything. I want to always have a bonding relationship with my children.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16
I remember very clearly the day all of my children were born. I truly was in awe over how fearfully and wonderfully made each one of them where. But most importantly, I was honored that God blessed me with the opportunity to raise His children.
Sad but true, as time went on...there were bills to pay, lessons to study, a house to clean, meals to prepare, and many "not today, I got a lot to do." Yes, there were things I missed out on, but thank goodness, it's only a few things. I may not have been diligent about writing in their baby books, but I remember the first of everything, just like it was yesterday.
As my youngest was approaching his 13th birthday, I spent a lot of time reminiscing over my teenage years. They truly were the wonder years. I remember how overwhelmed I would feel at times. I've been doing a lot of listening to my teens lately...and you know what...they wonder the same things I did.
Will my friends accept me?
Am I pretty/good looking?
Am I smart enough?
Why does God let people suffer?
Why doesn't he/she like me?
Are my parents proud of me?
Why don't my parents like me?
Why do my parents constantly nag me?
What am I going to do when I grow up?
Should I have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Should I have sex?
Should I drink, do drugs?
Where should I work?
You all know the list goes on and on...the wonder years!
Something I realized as a parent to teenagers, I too am again in the wonder years.
I wonder...
Did I instill good moral values in my children?
Do they understand God's grace?
Will they make the right decisions?
What will they be when they grow up?
Will they say "no" to sex, to drugs and drinking?
Will they be strong under peer pressure?
Will they stand firm in their faith?
Did I represent Christ character when raising them?
Why don't they like me?
Will they trust God's promises for their life?
The list goes on and on...the wonder years.
It won't be long and I will be writing about the "empty nest syndrome." For now...I plan on enjoying the wonder years...cause I don't wanna miss a thing!
Many of you know, I already have two grown children, with children of their own. I am so proud of both of them. They are truly remarkable people. I am happy to say, they both are my closest and dearest friends. They live in different States, but we speak to each other almost daily.
Each and everyone of my children, created by the Almighty, are unique in there own way with their own style and quirks. As I've watched them grow, I am amazed at how God has a plan for all of us...no two plans are alike. I pray they will listen to His voice, always have faith, hold fast to His word and trust His promises.
I am richly blessed!
