Watching Our Children Grow

As my son continues to grow and gain Independence, I have only one choice: sit back and watch nature take its course. As time passes our relationship evolves. The baby that needed constant coddling, feeding, and nurturing is now the little boy that still needs constant feeding, less conspicuous nurturing, and intermittent coddling. His needs change- mostly with him needing me less and needing to exercise his autonomy more.
In the moments when this metamorphosis, showcasing his self-sufficiency, stare me in the eye, daring me to challenge the natural order of growing up, all I can do is relent and marvel at the amazing young man slowly forming in front of me. Strong cheekbones replace the once chubby, ever-pinchable cheeks and short, straight, dark layers take the place of his bouncing, caramel colored ringlets.
Now, don't get me wrong, as he gets older I discover new joys every day, and I feel an overwhelming sense of excitement thinking about the man he will become.
But there are a few things I really miss! Like the times when he is happy, tired, frightened by the thunder, or sad, and it seemed the only thing his little arms could do was just cling to me- knowing that in my arms he will find safety, rest, familiarity, and most of all, love. Part of growing up is him relying less on that familiar physical comfort to soothe his tears and him beginning to work things out for himself. And although he still comes to me often baring his emotions, those times when he just clung to me, like I was the only thing in his world that could sufficiently offer him peace, are fewer and farther between.
Thinking about this made me think about my own relationship with my Heavenly Father, my 'Abba' God. How often do I cling to Him, taking peace and comfort in His safety and unconditional love?
When I was a 'young' Christian I ran to Him often, sharing excitement, offering praise, and seeking solace. Now, I seem to take His strength and ever-open arms for granted.
I know God takes pleasure in watching His children grow, becoming stronger and more mature. But just as we, as parents, will always cherish those moments when our children still surrender to their innate, overwhelming need to find reprieve and peace solely in our arms, I can only imagine how much more our Father cherishes the moments we cling to Him with complete faith and utter abandon.
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27.)

Praying For Our Children

As parents, especially mothers, we often find ourselves wearing many different hats and filling many different roles. During the course of a typical day I, like most of you, usually play the part of short-order-cook, event planner, coach, referee, housekeeper, and now that summer is in full swing, lifeguard and dermatologist. (You should see some of the sunburns and mosquito bites I've treated this summer!)
Every role we play, and hat we wear, in our children's lives is equally important, except for one. This is the hat we pull on after our kids are in bed, dishes done and homework completed- the one we wear not for them, but on their behalf. It is the one we wear not with our children, or doing for our children, but when we hit our knees before God to pray for our children!
Our petitions for guidance, strength, safety, and blessings are more necessary and life-altering to our children than anything we could ever 'do' for them. This is so easy to lose sight of as we hurry through our days swamped with chores and tasks. And more often than not, these duties leave us completely exhausted at the end of the day with little, or no, energy to spare.
But don't hang up your hat yet! Take the time to wear the most important one of all, the one that will affect your child for eternity. Clear your head of stress and hit your knees! Taking the time to pray will ensure that all life's tasks go smoother for you and your family.
There is such an awesome peace in knowing that your worries and concerns for your children have been turned over to God. He is the ultimate protector and provider and the Bible tells us "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." (Isa. 40:31a)
So regardless of the number of hats you have already worn for the day, or the number of tasks you have accomplished, take the time to pray. It is the only way we can truly re-charge, allowing us to wake up again tomorrow and joyfully pull on the first hat of a great new day.