Sometimes our hopes for our kids align with their own desires. And it’s a pleasant surprise.
When we, as parents, release our teens-suddenly now- young adults into the world, we are well aware of their fears, comforts, and quirks. Truthfully we all have them. But maturity also plays a role in recognizing them. Some of those things aren’t necessarily in need of changing. They reveal who we are. Yet stretching oneself in that early season of discerning identity can be empowering. In many ways.
It came as a surprise one day in early fall, when my son texted me a quick message. “I had pozole for dinner and it was delicious.”
Ummm. What?
My husband and I work on developing a pretty diverse palette. Granted, we have our favorites, but we enjoy trying new foods. But my son? Not so much. To be fair, he has sensory issues which played into my menu planning. In addition, his tastes differed from mine and my husband’s. He tended to stick to the foods of familiarity.
So his text was a bit shocking. Not only because it was a new food but I didn’t know what it was. So after looking it up, I discovered it was a Mexican spicy beef stew. None of those words made it’s way into his mouth at home. What happened?
He proceeded to explain that he decided to commit to trying new foods at his new school. Thankfully they have a fantastic choice of culinary options. I couldn’t be more thankful. Not because I hoped he would expand his food choices but because he challenged himself to go out of his comfort zone. That action has bigger implications.
Scripture reminds me: “For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.“
As I walk with my son in this time of discerning the bounds of who he is, I recognize there is no time limit of discovery. We are all people on the way. And I am thankful for witnessing what unfolds before me.
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The chance that I might wind up with children
was lost in life’s obscuring fog,
but I did as I was bidden
to treasure Belle the Service Dog.
She’s part wolf and part something more,
an angel hiding hidden wings,
knowing quite well cancer’s score
as well as many other things.
She follows me from room to room,
and, my friend, yes, even ‘there’,
and though I have to use a broom
to collect her gaily shedded hair,
she offers strength as my strength flies
through her gentle, loving eyes.
Oh yes, dogs are children. (I have even called my kids my the dogs’ names by accident).
An excellent post. As a mom of a 19 year old and son to be 17 year old this post resonates with me. My son will be graduating this year and has no idea what he wants to do. He will work for a while as he attempts to figure it out. I have to commit to trysting that God’s plans will succeed, we just have to be patient until He reveals what He wants my son to do.
They feel so much pressure to know a career choice when they haven’t yet left home. As we have told our kids, there are always options. You are never stuck. Blessings on you both in this season.
Love this.
Thanks for sharing.