The grounding of the boy is about to come to an end. Do I think he learned his lesson? The envelope is still out. His spirit is sweet and compliant and that's good. I asked, him along with the Man of the House, if he has learned anything during this time of great contemplation. He said, "Don't do stupid things!" OK! Throwing rocks at a fountain was pretty ridiculous, but what about being in a place he shouldn't have been and defying authority. I didn't hear anything about that. Everyone who has been around me lately knows my phrase, "He is in process." I am reading a great book that relates to this current situation. Do Hard Things is a new book I am encouraging all my besties to read who have teenagers. The young men who wrote the book are nineteen years old. This is the age of the college gal. They write, "The teen years are not a vacation from responsibility. They are a training ground of future leaders who dare to be responsible now." The young men are fighting against low expectations that our culture expects from teens. You see this struck a note with me. I am right in the middle of it. I realized that he is not a boy. He is a man. He exudes a love of life. (isn't that true college gal!) God made him in His own image and I don't want to thwart that. I am praying for God's wisdom in teaching him excitement with self-control. Can't you see him on the Bartlesville roadways with that gleam in his amazing, dreamy, green eyes. THE NEED FOR SPEED! OK, back to the book. I will be reading and praying hard that God will help me to back up on my little man training. (sorry D! I think that's your little man's name, but it's a good one). I have had low expectations. I really didn't mean to! I just haven't challenged or pushed him the way I should and the way that he can.
Next topic! Each night I set a place for four at the table . I chuckle and place the fourth napkin back in the drawer. I am not too sad any more, because I hear great confidence and contentment in her voice, as she figures out life. She is getting it. Do I wish she would lock the door to her room when she' s by herself? Do I get aggravated that she has to get a Dr. Pepper late and night and goes by herself? YES, but she is wise and she is cautious. She will say "Mom don't worry your heart. I am good! " The Man of the House, Little Man and I have learned to Skype. We can video chat with the college gal and the Norwegian family that we absolutely adore. College Gal even leaned up real close and gave me a kiss. Life is good! She did her Hard Things this summer and I am convinced that this is what not only the college gal and little man need, but what the Big Mama needs. I play life way too safe.
"We can protect ourselves right out of our calling. We must be willing to move from self-preservation to brave determination." Beth Moore
You see Life is Changing! Want to change with me?
3 comments:
I've got to get a copy of that book!! I'm getting pretty excited for the teen years and thinking a lot about balancing expectations. I appreciate you! Your kids are A-mazing!
you can get rid of that picture, okay thanks.
love you... no more college gal. i need a new name.
Brookie came in as I was checking out your blog and saw this picture and asked me if it was Hannah-Tannah (Hannah Montana). :) (We don't even have the Disney channel (or anything else really since we don't have cable) but Hannah Montana is certainly pervasive in our culture!)
I am planning to order the book you recommended, but was wondering if you have any other recommendations before I order it. Now that you have launched one teen, what did you think of the Growing Kids God's Way for Middle years/teens? (I can't remember what it is called, but I think I remember talking to you about it.) I am open and eager to hear anything you suggest! My email is: Sonjasett@sbcglobal.net or you can find me on Facebook. Thanks, Denise!
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