by Karen Finn
Ha! Did this caption catch your attention, Moms? In this fast-paced, technology-saturated age we live in, it becomes increasingly difficult to pause and pamper the young adults we have been entrusted by the Lord to raise. Was your most recent physical contact a high five or a quick pat on the back as they hurried out the door? Have you complimented them lately on a job well done, or have you consistently focused on a flaw which gets under your skin?
The awkward passage rites of adolescence seem to erect walls within a home….sometimes overnight. (Or at least it appears that way!) The need for privacy, the sullenness (a fancy word for brooding) and the hormonal mood swings could be some of the primary culprits that cause the upheaval and tension. This same young person, who raids the kitchen pantry and forgets to feed the dog, is the same child you cradled in your arms, the one who sought you out on stormy nights for comfort.
When was the last time you showed some sign of affection to the terrific teenager who will carry on your family legacy? Will his/her memories of these influential years bring to mind an era of gentleness and playful interactions or an image of brusqueness and detachment? The balance is a tricky one to maintain at times; however, God has equipped us with the perfect Guide: His Word.
Psalm 86:5 tells us: “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” If our goal as a Christian is to be Christ-like, then this verse should describe us as well! Other citations from the Scriptures reveal God’s character as: slow to anger (Psalm 103:8), faithful (1Corinthians 1:9) and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32)—just to name a few. It is our responsibility to develop the same qualities and exemplify them in our lives as mothers.
Full of wisdom and direction, the Bible will provide us with all the knowledge, discernment and guidance we need for parenting effectively. Allow your son/daughter to see that your dependence is upon the Lord. Pray daily that God will equip you with patience, understanding and a listening ear. Too swiftly the years will be spent, and our task of training them up completed.
Years ago, I read a poem which depicted the fleeting phases of youth into adulthood. Notice how accelerated the duration of development becomes in these six stanzas:
My newborn babe
Struggles from my arms
And toddles off to school.
A tall young man accompanies her home.
Their child brings me
My glasses and shawl.*
The sentimental years of child-rearing need not be affiliated with growing pains—namely yours. Take time out today to thank God for your children-whether they be young or old.
P.S. Make sure to give them a hug!
* Taken from Children Are Wet Cement, Anne Ortlund.
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