I’ve not posted in a while because life has been busy and also a little overwhelming. I’m struggling with some changes in my life. My oldest biological child graduates from college this Friday and marries his college sweetheart next Friday. He begins a new professional job June 1 while he aims for completion of med school requirements for 2024.
In the midst of a flurry of RSVPs to the wedding and regrets, a good friend just offered me some special words of encouragement that I want to share here. The words are timely, especially since it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday.
The following are some of her words to me…and you.
You know, as parents, we do the best we know how to raise our children. As a sweet neighbor once told me, “It’s the hardest thing you will ever do, and it doesn’t come with a book!”
The Lord gives us wisdom and courage to guide and direct our children, but they have personalities of their own, and with His grace, the free will to make decisions on their own. When we see them stumble, or perhaps take a different path from the one we would choose for them, we worry and pray a lot!
As moms, it’s natural to want to “fix things” for them. Just ask any of us Rushwood [my family’s old neighborhood] moms. We have all been there and still struggle with it!
Moms never stop being concerned, no matter the age of our child. Once it was an untied shoelace, or a belatedly prepared school project. Now we gently make suggestions, calmly signal the roadblocks ahead, pray for maturity, and occasionally scream into our pillows.
[On marriage:] Experience is a great teacher, and I think all couples slog their way through the journey, and eventually realize our parents were right all along.
Never expect “thankfulness,” but when it comes, it’s a great day!!
For sure, God’s will is omniscient.
In our hearts we know that, but after protecting our children for so long, it is a challenge when, at whatever age, they say to us, ”Let ME do it by MYself.”
Even though we raise them to be independent critters, there does come a time when our “job” is done, but the praying is never ending.
It is not easy, I can attest to that, but with high hopes and great expectation, we rejoice in their happiness and future adventures in life.
Thanks so much for every word, Mrs. Suellen. You were my mother’s friend first, but I know that you’re mine as well. I appreciate you so much!
Sweet friends and family, if your mother is living, please make Sunday special with a little gratitude for all the prayers and guidance through the years. I love you, Mom!
Very Sweet.