StephanieMy oldest son has to make some choices that may cost him some freedom, options or money. These issues are things he has been thinking and praying about for many weeks. As he nears his final decisions, the practical consequences of the choice he feels he must make are looming dark and threatening. At the very least, some of his options for the future will be limited. He most assuredly will be dismissed, perhaps suffer a damaged reputation and fines. Yet he is resolved to do what he has discerned is right.
The mom in me hates to see him suffer. I want his trek through this life to be easy and smooth and devoid of problems. Deep down, though, on a level that really matters I am thrilled. He is studying the Word, he is growing in knowledge and wisdom, and he is seeking the Lord with all his heart. The discussions we’ve had, the soul-searching he has done and these final decisions reveal that his relationship with the Lord is a vital part of who he is. That has always been my heart’s prayer. And so I rejoice.
All the years of his childhood he accepted our values. Of course, we had some typical teenage struggles, but no wild or immoral behavior, no wholesale rejection of our values. I’ve never had any indication that he would reject them. I just know that it is normal for young adults to jettison some of the teachings and opinions of their parents. This is normal. It is right that they find their own way, that they determine what they really believe, that they lay their own foundation and live their own life. But it can be a scary time for a parent. It is a comfort to see evidence that his faith is his own, not merely a reflection of mine or his dad’s.
So I today I am especially thankful for adult children who share my faith.
Tags: children, faith, Musings, Stephanie, Thanksgiving