unconditional love of a mother means a safe port in storms
I have teenagers.
When they hit high school, I admit it was not an easy transition. For me.
Unsure of how much space to give them, all we knew was that they need space to grow and develop into the women God created them to be.
We backed off a bit, rambled forward and grabbed on with both hands. Took a finger of control off again, stepped backward slowly.
All the while those girls were dancing to the same song.
Lighthouse of a mother’s love
Two steps forward, running ahead without looking back, halting, searching for us.
It reminds me of when they were toddlers. Confident in their choices, but relieved to look over their shoulders and see we are still there.
Overall it seems to be going well.
But, during this growing time ,I fear I sent the girls a little too far into sea. Without reminding them of how important it was to come back to port.
To tie up safely with their mother while they still can do so.
The lighthouse of their mother’s love will cast across the waters, drawing them along the route that ties them safely to the dock.
For every night that they’ll have me…
“Someday when the pages of my life end, I know that you will be one of the most beautiful chapters.”
Christa
I am always grateful for your posts. I admire how you are so consciously and thoughtfully wife and mother, the roles we were meant to be. Its time for me to pray over how I can remind my children about the port that God intends mothers to be, even when they are all grown up.
Blessings
Audrey
Audrey, God shows me something new all the time. Last night was full of zingers, I wrote three pages of notes!
What a great, convicting way to start the new school year. I have also stopped praying with Joe, but I think I will start again, if he will let me. Of course, I’ll never stop praying for him.
Keep me posted Kathleen. I need improvement on the praying “for” my kids too. They are too often brief and quick
Christa, love your boldness! It was difficult for me to navigate letting go, but still managing to be there for my daughter. She’s now almost 23 years old and thanks me many times for decisions I made that she disliked at the time. I look back and see some mistakes, but also see God’s mercy and redemption as I see the well adjusted, confident adult she’s become. Our children may not seem to appreciate the opportunities we offer them to still be our children, but it’s our job as parents to look past their attitude and do what’s right. I applaud you for taking a strong stance and making shifts in how you interact with your children.
That is super encouraging to read Tammy. It is important for me to “end” well and strong as possible. I haven’t felt like I did the best last year, want to shift it now back to where we were. Even if they have their own ideas, we can compromise 🙂
Admire your honesty Christa. This is beautiful and a post that I’ve just shared with my own teen. As I only came to faith myself towards the end of her junior school days, it has been a learning curve for us both and as she has asserted her independence I’ve let things slide. Strongly hearing God through your writing.
I didn’t come to faith until I was a mother myself, I hear you. Thank you for the encouragement
A new season, time to take stock and plan for the time ahead. Mistakes aren’t bad; we learn from them, and grow. My lovely girls grew up, stepped away and spread their wings a bit, then swung back to center. It was rewarding.You will never, ever, not “be there”‘ for them. Even as a full adult with grown children of her own, and my advancing years, my daughter here still asks for my opinion on things. Sometimes I’m agreed with, sometimes not, but keeping communication open is the bottom line. You’re doing just fine. Your girls are awesome.
Thanks Grandma, a few years ago I would have beat myself up for not being “perfect” mom still. Today, just readjusting. Always readjusting 🙂
Christa, this is beautiful! I have been feeling a little unsettled about this growing up business lately, but haven’t stopped to fully assess why. I think you have hit on some of it, my friend. I shall be taking stock of what we have let fall by the wayside, and see if there are points of connection that can be reestablished. What a delicate balance this is, helping them grow while still maintaining the lifeline, yes? Thank you for the lovely words!
My pleasure, I am thankful God brought this to my attention for myself…and then always glad to be able to share with another. Bless you in another year
Christa,
Loved this post and how clearly your mother’s heart was woven into each paragraph. Your daughters are lucky to have a mom like you. Thanks for sharing your heart on this journey.
Anne, you are too kind. I am not always a pleasure of a mom, of course, and I sincerely hope they grow up and somehow will just remember me as all I wanted to be
Very nice post– I imagine having teens can be so tough, I know I sure was a tough one!! My little ones are so eager to soak up all I have to give, but I need to prepare for the time when that won’t come so easily. My soon to be 13 year old is definitely starting to change. =(
That is a challenging age, but can I encourage you? All I heard my whole life was how terrible teens are. While they can be difficult (can’t we all) it is a new world of fun to be had. Watching them grow into their adult self is fascinating. No more snacks to back, drinks to bring. They even do that stuff for me now! I expect the same behavior we have always taught, and they mostly act according to that. I do miss, as you will, those days when we really are super mommy