Today is my youngest daughter, Kate’s, 13th birthday. I can’t believe she is officially a teenager. We now have three teenagers in the house – one middle schooler and two in high school. There is never a dull moment :). But, I am also so proud of my kids. They all love the Lord and love our family. We are so blessed!
There is so much joy in being a parent. You remember the days of feeding them a bottle on the couch at 2 am just trying to stay awake. The times of changing diapers and trying to figure out car seats. There was so much you didn’t know, and the times you are simply hoping and praying you can take care of them. Then, as they grow, you are amazed. You don’t notice it because it seems to take place slowly, but then you look back and think, “Wow – this is my baby!”
I remember Saundria Keck, who led our Family Dedication class at church, saying, “The days are long, but the years are short.” She is exactly right. I remember the days of trying to survive with three kids, growing ministry, the busyness of life, and just being exhausted at the end of each day. The days are still busy, but you look back and think, where did those days go? Now, your kids are dressing themselves (and clothes matter more to teenagers), feeding themselves, driving themselves, running out the door to school, church, sports, and being with friends. The times have changed, but the love only has grown deeper and richer.
Cherish the time. Many believe that the “Golden Years” are when people retire. You go to some beach and live out your days on earth. But, I don’t believe that. I believe, if you are a parent, then you are living right now in your “Golden Years.” This is the time that you are pouring into your kids, surrounded by their friends and family, school, church, sports, and more. Yes – life is crazy busy, but it is also amazingly beautiful, fun, and exciting!
I love my kids! I love seeing them grow. I love watching their personalities develop. They are all so different. The way they laugh, the things they like to do, the way they study or engage in relationships. Yet, they are all similar in the way they love God, love each other, and love our family. There is definitely friction and tension as they move from dependence to independence – mostly around sharing clothes :), being on time for school or church, and what to eat. Wow! It is so fun to see them becoming little adults, making decisions, and embracing their own life. As a parent, this is my job to help give them a spiritual foundation and then help them become the adult that God created them to be. Many times we want them to stay young, but our job is to help them grow up in the Lord.
Today is Kate’s birthday! I am so proud of her. She loves life and knows what she believes. She is kind, caring, and fun. Kate has the gift of encouragement. Even from a young age, she has always been saying encouraging words to her teachers, friends, and family. I love this about her. She loves playing soccer – has been on the same team for 9 years! And, now loves playing basketball, she definitely has the height. Kate, also, loves serving at church with the preschoolers. Every Sunday, Kate comes to the Worship Service at 8 am, goes to Middle School Bible Study at 9:30 am, and then serves in the Preschool Ministry at 11 am. Yes, she is in that middle school awkward phase that we all went through, but she is able to laugh at herself. She has a way to bring joy to everyone around her. Kate loves well.
I don’t know what Kate will do as she grows up. I don’t know where she will go to college, what career path she will follow or if she will get married. But, I know she will always be my daughter. I will always love her with all my heart. I will always pray for her, encourage her, and believe the best about her. I will always be there for her no matter what comes. I will celebrate with her in the joys of life and be there to cry with her in the struggles. I long for her to reach her God-given potential. I long for her to do great things with this amazing life she has been given. And, maybe one day, she too will be a parent. When that day comes, I pray she will embrace it and cherish every moment from the sleepless nights to the uncontrolled laughter. Whatever she does or becomes, I pray she will know that God loves her and so does her daddy. She will always be my little girl. Happy Birthday, Kate!
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