Blogging when Your Children are Young Adults

@Shiloh Photography

It has been kind of quiet in this blog lately, and the main reason for that is because being watchful demands time; and one of the things that I have had to set aside for a bit in order to be purposely watchful, is this blog -and at times reading yours-.

The second important reason is that 3 of our four children are young adults (I rather use this term than "teenagers"). When one is mothering young ones, one can easily share stories of the little people at home, their funny sayings and hilarious moments. A mom can easily share about how she is learning to take time to read the Word while cleaning the house and changing diapers; but when our children grow things change, and must definitely change. It would be the absolutely unwise for me to share how we are dealing with certain things going on in our lives here -or even at a coffee table- I cannot share with you the thoughts and struggles of my children to try to encourage you "in the Lord." God forbid!

Most of the learning and growing in my life at this moment happens around being a mom to three wonderful young adults. Each one of them living his/her own story. Yes, it is their story, not mine and I love to see how God is dealing with each one of them. At this point in life, I am learning that all the things my husband and I have taught them are there to stay; and that our children are now in a stage in which we can not really add more to that building process, but can only help them see clearly through the Light of the Scripture. Of course we must still give them advice and encourage them in the Lord, don't take me wrong, they are still our responsibility, but our role as parents is changing and we must see that and act accordingly while at the same time keep on praying that they will make the best decisions.

If prayer has always been a vital part in the parenting process, when you come to this stage in life know that prayer is almost the only way to parent effectively. Prayer is the only resource that never ends, that has no limits, that reaches to our Father' heart. When our children become young adults, it is not about "you and them", but about "he and God" and "she and God."

There are those times where you feel like you have a thousand good words to say, but the Spirit urges you not to open your mouth, it is then when words find their way in the prayer closet, in the kitchen, in the quiet. Murmuring prayers as the day goes by while hugging and kissing your children, and showing yourself available for a good conversation at night, are the ways we grow together in the Lord and in our relationship with them.

In this process, as I see my children growing into full maturity, I bow my head in gratitude for each one of them.  I am so grateful to my God because He has granted me life to see them grow in Him. I am grateful because of our many conversations; because love is always present. I am grateful because being their mom is one of the most amazing things that has happened to me. I am grateful because in spite of all my faults and shortcomings, their desire is to live godly lives, and have a family of their own that honors God.

May God grant us to live each stage of our lives with wisdom,