Usually I have something inspirational to say. Usually I try to encourage everyone. Usually I write because God has used some “A-ha” moment to get through my very hard head and I want to share it all with you, so that maybe He can use that same “a-ha” moment to get through some other hard heads. But today, I got nothing. Sorry to disappoint you. I have nothing awe-inspiring to say. Nothing that is covered with “hallelujahs” to bring a smile to your face. Sorry….I can hear your disappointment right now. No, today I am not Kim the worship leader or Kim the youth pastor or Kim the counseling/theology student. No, today I am Kim the mommy. That’s all-----Kim the mommy. I have been a mommy for almost 19 years now (I am only 36-you do the math). Being a mommy is my GREATEST accomplishment to date. People told me I would not or could not ever be a good mommy since I was a teen mommy (that’s another blog) but as usual, when someone tells me I can’t or won’t that makes me even MORE determined to do the opposite. I knew I would be a good mommy and their negativity was even more fuel to the fire (a great big shout out to all you doubters out there!!!) Being a mommy is the most important thing (outside of my marriage and God) in my life. I don’t write a lot about being a mommy because I don’t have a lot to offer. When they are little, there are so many things to write about..hints, suggestions, things to make life easier. However, when they are true teens and young adults (not teenagers) there is little to say except this:
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” Proverbs 22:6
That’s pretty much all I can offer someone when they are out on their own, driving, dating, working, going to school and doing God knows what. There are many nights of being on your knees praying, staying awake waiting for the headlights to pull in the drive way, and wondering if you are gonna have to literally kill the boy who touches her. No, all I can offer to you is the above.
My oldest is moving out today. I am sad. In packing her room, I have come across her baby book and pictures and I have thought of all the moments and times together. I have also thought about all the moments and times missed. All the mess ups that we do as parents. So, I guess in addition to the above verse, I do have one more small piece of advice….don’t waste time! It is too precious! They grow up so fast. I know how long 18 years sounds…believe me it’s not. Do not put work, ministry, housework, homework, TV, or anything else in front of your children. Believe me, the dust will still be there tomorrow-I promise! I thank God that I was able to be a SAHM for many years. I volunteered in their classrooms and took field trips. I helped her get ready for her first dance, and I helped her get ready for prom. Today, I will drop her off at her new “home” and walk away to come to my own home. I am terrified, I am sad, and I am reminiscent of the past.
One more piece of advice: enjoy your children. When they drive you crazy, when they are little and getting into everything, when they are young teens and have a smart mouth, when they are young adults and know it ALL (and believe me they know it ALL, just ask them)---enjoy them. Each and every moment—enjoy it.
So, that’s all I got for ya today…. But, from one mommy to another…..you got this (well you and God got this), hang in there!
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