Never Been One Before

We've never been the parents of a teenager before so we're learning as we go. It's not easy but it has some precious moments. To make the journey even more challenging, Anna Catherine and Julieanne have never been teenagers either so we're all in unchartered waters together. Thankfully, no one is drowning at the moment, there's no crisis at hand, just the daily questions in your heart of, "Lord, is this right? Do I make a big deal of this one or let this go? What do I say, did I say too much or not enough? Should I really let them do this or wear that or go there?"



Kids need parents - if they didn't, God would have made them like the animals -able to care for themselves after just a few weeks or months. They need guidance and nurturing and boundaries. That doesn't mean they like it all of the time or even accept it willingly or happily. Still, you are the God given life guide for your children and in a myriad of ways they are teaching life lessons to you as well ~it's quite mutual. I've been stretched and deeply blessed by my kids. They've pointed out things in me that I'm not proud of - things I need to work on like being a very task oriented person. They could have helped around the house and studied and I come into their room and ask - "but are you going to practice cello/guitar?" Why couldn't I just say, "Well done!"



It's a tough job being a parent. You don't know if you're pushing enough or too much. Certain personalities would quit when pursuits get tough but you as the parent know that 'persistence is to the quality of the character of a person what carbon is to steel' You want them to learn the value and joy of persevering and doing your very best regardless of the outcome. It's a delicate balance and each kid is different so what worked for one isn't right for the other. Everyday we find ourselves in need of a huge dose of God's wisdom and graciousness. Afterall, we've never been parents to teens before.