This letter is a present that Holly (quickly) created for me for Mother’s Day a couple of years ago. I have it hanging up in my closet. When I first read it I thought, “Serious? This is all she could come up with?” But, now I am so glad that I proudly have it hanging on my wall. It reminds me of the truth of being a parent.
I love my honest child. She makes me want to scream, laugh, cry, stare in wonder, shake my head, clap my hands proudly, hold her, and on and on. All the mixed emotions we go through with raising teenagers.
When Hunter was younger he used to be my “rollercoaster” of life child. Up and down. Up and down. Now, he is maturing into a young man that when I ask him to do something he actually does it, without complaining, and usually the first time I ask, for the most part. Now, he may be huffing and puffing on the inside, but he shows a very respectful attitude on the outside. Quiet, but respectful. Thank You, Jesus!!! All those years of spankings, lectures, and scripture ARE settling in.
Now, it’s my princess’s turn. Yep, those teen years have settled in with Holly. If anyone is out there and thinking that parenting is easy, or “my child will never do that”, or “my child never DID that” Phooey on you. Oh, I mean, bless your little heart. I’m so happy for YOUR thoughts. Come on over for some cookies and wine, I mean milk.
Yes, Holly is becoming an absolutely beautiful young woman. No, Holly is not always confident in herself. I so remember those years of lacking confidence in the way I look. Wait, do I still? Oh no, let’s not turn the tables on me. Let’s keep this about our teen princesses.
These are those years when thoughts of: “Her lips are prettier than mine.” or “Her hair is so gorgeous. Why can’t I have hair like her?” or “Where do these zits come from? Ugh! Hide them please!”
I look back at photos of me from when I was a teenager. Oh my! That perm in the 10th grade, in the yearbook, with a white Miami Vice style jacket…what was I thinking. I just laugh!
Yes, Holly does do her share of work around the home. No, she doesn’t usually do it the first time asked. This too shall pass.
The rolling or fluttering of the eyes; the huffs when asked to do something; the grumbling of “Don’t turn my light on! I’m sleeping!”…all signs of true teenagerism. This too shall pass.
Even though there are those “signs” mentioned above that are obvious in our home now, there are so much more positive signs that do shine through in these years. Holly is discovering who she is. She is truly a compassionate, fun, determined, funny, loving, and strong young woman. All these qualities are molding her to be the person that God intended her to be.
I can just imagine the phenomenal things that my beautiful teen will accomplish in her life. I can’t wait for her to discover all those great qualities she already has and applies them to bring glory to God.
Holly, I love you!!! I have attitude, but in the beginning, middle, and end of it all…I STILL LOVE YOU! Mom.
In the meantime, I need to post Philippians 2:5 in her room, my bathroom, on our refrigerator, and in my car: “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Do you have attitude? Make it a Christ-like one.
