Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
Raise your hand if you loved the 8th grade. I mean you just rocked it, really owned it.Exactly! Me either.In fact I HATED it and have prayed fervently for my girls as they navigate through middle school.8th grade was a particularly trying year for The Teen and it put a strain on our otherwise tight mother and daughter relationship. I was relieved when middle school ended for her and we could close the door on that particular chapter of life.With high school on the horizon (and well, frankly, a grounded teen) I spent a lot of purposeful quality time with my daughter this summer. Of course together with the Tween and the Bubbas (and moving into a new home) we had quite the busy and chaotic summer break, but my heart was tender and kept turning toward The Teen. With late night talks, a laugh or two as we drove around town and inside jokes over some unpacking, I saw her heart fill with joy once again and a sparkle return to her eyes.Now I know I usually complain about summer break, as it takes its toll on me, and I begin to hate the sound of my own name after awhile, especially in August. But one particular night in August was different. It was August 16, 2013 and it was my birthday.It is tradition in our home on someone's birthday, to go around and say why you are glad they were born and why you love them. The Tween was kind enough to reminded everyone that we needed to engage in the tradition for mom and then they all fought over who goes first.... because no one wanted to! Sigh!!So.... The Teen steps up to the plate and offers to go first which warmed my heart because she, like her daddy, is not big on words or dotting and wears her emotions anywhere other than her sleeve.But this is what went down. And I quote, "I love my mom because she is kind and sweet and fun. She buys me things and drives me everywhere. She talks WITH us about EVERYTHING and hangs out with me when I don't have a friend. Mom is my best friend."All this that I complain about people!! All the driving and the constant talking!? "Why don't these people go to bed, get out of my room and leave me alone!!!!!?"It all became worth it at that moment.Friends! It's so important to be intentional, look for those open doors and seize every opportunity to connect with the hearts of our children because four more years will be gone in a blink and the day to day will quickly slip away.Today I floated in the pool as she sat on the side. And we talked, once again, about High School and her hopes and fears.I held onto her feet so as not to slip away from her. Philippians 3:13-14, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.