Seasons Promised

Here I am, beginning in the land of the teenagers and loving it. These people are the ones I wanted and prayed for when I was in high school. I love littles, so this comes a a huge surprise to me. These are truly some of the sweetest and yet unnerving years in parenting yet. And I’ve only approached the edge. 

Each parenting season is harder than others in their own unique ways and each season is easier than another. I would give ANYTHING for the slower pace we had when the kids were tiny. Watching them learn things for the first time - it’s so much more concrete than watching your teen figure out their hormones. At the same time, my kids all know how to tie their own shoes and can prepare themselves accordingly to leave the house at a specific time- varied obviously by emotions, but they can do it. The sleeping schedule from the season of littles is least desired and yet - I could use a nap and a cuddle midday myself. The rocking to sleep and the little games that kept their interest also occupy my thoughts. But then I giggle with the kids, have a for real deep conversation, or be silly with them like I would a dear friend and there is no resentment or regret in where we are today. 

The concerns from one season to the next, depending on your circumstances, vary in complexity. When they were little I worried over their physical safety and development. Now my worries consist of the unknowns because they internalize so much more than when they were little - less info is shared. The back and forth of peace and worry in each season is where you hold the tension of faith that your prayers carry you through. 

One stark difference in this season is I am moving into more of a coach than a caregiver. Before I had so much more knowledge of child development of littles. Now, I’m learning more about how to come alongside these humans instead of doing it for them. Suggestions and boundaries are still a preferred method but they really have to make their own choices and I need to be there to ask good questions and not smother them at the same time. 

Good friendships are hard to find so when you do, you steward those. And when your kids become each others friends, that’s an even sweeter season. But I tell you what, for me, there is nothing quite like riding in the car with your teens and their friends. The giggles, the singing, oh my goodness the singing, the jokes, the sarcasm, the conversations…all of it, I’m here for it! Because in a short while, I won’t be in the car because they will be driving themselves 😭🥹

Teenagers aren’t always glamorous and I’m not gonna pretend like we didn’t have a long winded intense chat about why in fact no, they cannot jump from the deck into our pool, and they “knowwwah” everything.

But in the perseverance in each season is where we truly see the sparkles of core memories.. Knowing that each season is temporary truly sets your pace of slowing down and being intentional in the moments. To be a spectator of them growing up is an honor. To be invited in or along for the ride - just the delight of my heart.