One by One

One by one they grow up. They make choices. They listen or they don't. They slip and slide down the road. And I have to just watch.

Our relationship with our girls is unique. We've been very honest with them about the "hot button" issues. Sex, drugs, adultery, divorce.....pretty much anything we thought would cause them harm or hurt. We've chatted with them about experiences we've had, told them ugly details. We've spoken LOTS of God's grace. If you ask our girls about this, they'll tell you we've talked TOO MUCH about it all! I guess we just want them to know how special they are and how many "foxes" lurk about. We are constantly telling the girls to have a plan to escape their plan. One plan isn't enough.

I wanted so much more for them than I ever had. Which is why we started talking when they were young. I wasn't going to miss anything. I was going to make sure they all KNEW everything I didn't. And I pray. A lot. I pray my pattern of sin stop with me. Guess what!......they still make mistakes. I'm not talking physical (intimate) ones. I'm talking in general. For some reason, I thought if we educated them on all things, they would make wise choices. Hmmmm. THEY MISSED THE MEMO! And sometimes, I just shake my head and wonder where we dropped the ball.

But we didn't. We have done our best, shouted til we're blue in the face. We have reiterated and spoken truth to them. We have prayed for them, loved them and shielded them. Now, it's up to them. We still have a few we can continue to "bubble wrap", but for the most part we have 2 3/4 adult children. (Chellsei, you're the 3/4)

Sometimes, I get really happy when other christian children mess up. Because then I know we are ok. I know that if their kid did it, ours must be alright. Please don't misunderstand....I never rejoice over a lost sheep or a sheep who is blatantly going against God. I just take heart and know that it's okay not to be perfect. And that it isn't a reflection on my relationship with the Lord. And that it's not because we did anything wrong, it's just that these daughters were created with their own minds. I know, I know.....that's shocking.

The hardest thing I've ever had to do as a mom is step back. I hate having to let them get hurt....but that helps them grow. Until they have children, they won't understand. I look forward to when they do.

One by One they grow up and get a life. I may not like it, but that's the way it goes.