Seasons of Parenting
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The other weekend when I went to the mountains with my two girls I was aware again of how quickly the season of parenting goes. It seems like yesterday when I traveled to Russia to bring home my little seven month old daughter. Today she is a beautiful fifteen year old counting the days until she can drive the car. Why, it was just yesterday it seems when she was learning to push the shopping cart down the aisle of the food store. I remember cringing inside when she'd make a corner too wide or she would almost miss someone. Yes, driving lessons will come and with it one more accomplishment. Gradually I'm working myself out of one more aspect of parenting.
My heart is full of gratitude for each day I have to make a difference in her life. And although it is sad as I pack away this remembrance and that childhood toy what helps me so much is knowing that God entrusted me with the privilege of mothering her. Any pain that I might experience is nothing compared to the possibility of never having had the opportunity to be her mother. No, the changes will come but I will keep my mind and heart filled with thanksgiving for what is.
Having an older daughter also effects how greatly I appreciate parenting my eight year old. I see her now working hard on third grade multiplication problems and I know that in almost a split second she will be solving an algebraic equation. It goes that fast! I long to enjoy the moments together. I hunger to build laughter and love into these days so that when she looks back on her childhood she will have fond memories.
Yes, our world tends to rush kids to grow up. As a mother I resist the pressures of society. As a family we often journey at a calmer pace picking up this activity and letting that other one go. We sometimes linger around the table laughing and sharing stories. We've been known to all sprawl out on the floor together with blankets and pillows watching a good ‘oldie' on TV. We still enjoy singing songs around the piano and just hanging out together. We really do enjoy each other. That's the way I want it to be ten years from now. Twenty years from now. God wants to provide wisdom and peace to all parents no matter what stage of parenting. He is faithful. Always.
Posted in Adoption | 2 Comments
Carmen — December 1, 2008 @ 3:23 AM
Sharon — December 1, 2008 @ 9:10 AM
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