Learning to fly

The joys of mothering teenagers...oh who would have known when they were all cute and cuddly in their little footy pajamas, wrapped up in their blankets, that one day they would have opinions, attitudes and agendas?

Each day is a challenge, yet with every one, I sense the progress of bringing adolescents into the adult world. I'm not sure it will be a quick and easy journey, in fact I am quite positive that it will be a wild, bumpy ride, prayerfully ending in an exchange of authority. I am excited as the the kids gain more and more independence, yet of course I struggle with each step they take away from the protection of home.

I think back on my teenage years, and I can't begin to apologize to the authority figures that I argued with and at times defied. Not only my adoring parents, but teachers, aunts, uncles and friends. I realize now that as I fought against the boundaries that were surrounding me, I was challenged to decide where I would put the limits, once I was on my own.

I pray that as I hover over my children, and as they push and kick for freedom, that they will learn, as did I, that there is safety in boundaries and joy in authority.