I realized today that I have not talked about my kids in awhile, so I must look like a very sane and put-together mother. My friends are probably laughing hard at that comment.
The truth is, we have a very (insanely) busy life that revolves around their activities. I am your normal overworked mother who is running to Micheal's for school projects, and shuttling kids back and forth to friend's homes, sports activities, and school. I am counting down the days until we can sleep past 6 a.m. I love having my kids home for the summer.
This is a big life changing year for me because Michelle is departing elementary school, which means I have to leave too. After eleven years of being a part of the Oak Mesa community, I am hanging up my grading pen, and finishing off my PTA commitments. I have threatened to come back next year and adopt a kindergartner. Most moms look at me like I am crazy.
In addition to Michelle growing up, I have the additional shock of Rachel getting ready to drive! We have not actually let her behind the wheel of a car yet, but Jon and I know that the day is coming. She is legally able to get a permit. The problem with Rachel is that I don't think she will know how to get out of our housing complex, let along find her school. She is quite content with letting me shuttle her around, and I am very content with doing it. I don't want to give up our time in the car! I like talking and being together.
Yes, the girls are growing up. The thought of them maturing and becoming independent young ladies makes me think of the recent sermon series by Jim Miller called "Grown Up Faith" that was based on the book of Ephesians.
"I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love, I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us." - Ephesians 3:17-20
Of all the things I have taught my girls, I hope they they will someday find that "grown up faith" that is needed to navigate life. I can teach them to cook, clean, have good manners, be productive, and know what the Bible says about faith, hope and love; but it is up to them to take that faith and apply it to their lives.
Stormie Omartian gives ten reasons to read God's Word.
1. To know where you are going (Psalm 119:133)
2. To have wisdom (Psalm 19:7)
3. To find success (Joshua 1:8)
4. To live in purity (Psalm 119:9)
5. To obey God (Psalm 119:33-35)
6. To have joy (Psalm 19:8)
7. To grow in faith (Romans 10:17)
8. To find deliverance (John 8:31-32)
9. To have peace (Psalm 119:165)
10. To distinguish good from evil (Psalm 119:11)
This is the kind of wisdom I want for my girls as they grow up in their faith and get out into the scary world around us. If then can keep their eyes on Christ, and be confident in His Word, they will be able to navigate the highs and lows of life with confidence.
Did you notice how many of those keys to a grown up faith come from Psalm 119? This is a great chapter to read. If you don't know where to start reading, start with the book of Psalm. There is great stuff in there. Also, have a Study Bible that has footnotes. The notes are really helpful when you don't understand something.
I pray for my daughters, and I pray for you, that the Word of God will become real and life giving. That the scriptures will call you to a deeper walk with Christ. This is how you get that firm foundation that can't be rocked when the storms come. Read God's promises, and find a family of God that will help you as you grow in your faith.
Still Growing,
Sandy
