Learning to Parent

It is amazing to me how each stage of our children's lives brings with it a need to learn how to parent all over again.  Adalie is entering into a stage that is more grown-up than ever before.  This may seem obvious to all, but to a mama who still sees her as my little girl, it is a bit challenging to believe.  Adalie is in the 4th grade and is 9 years old, and was just invited to her first "Big Girl" function.  The church is taking all of the 4th and 5th graders out for food, games and frozen yogurt.

When she first shared this with me, I instantly went to the place of, "My little girl is growing up.  I'm not ready for this."  And then as I saw her response of not wanting to go and seeing fear and uncertainty, I instantly felt a need to push her to go.  I saw myself in her eyes at that moment and I didn't like it, and I didn't want to foster it.

One night, as we were discussing this, I felt at a loss.  "Do I encourage her to go even though she is afraid?  Am I suppose to be loving and understanding and let her stay in her insecurity?"  I was praying intensely as we talked, and still felt uncertain of how to handle the situation.  My own past and insecurities clouding my ability to parent in the moment.

And then entered my man!  When confronted with the issue he simply stated, "Adalie, have you asked Jesus whether you should go or not?"

The morning dawned brightly, as Adalie awoke from her sleep, and joined me downstairs on the couch.  We cuddled up, and everything in me wanted to ask, "So, what did Jesus say?!?"  But within a few moments she shared, "Mommy, I want to go to J12 Jam."  I asked why and she stated Jesus told her she needed to be brave, and then gave her a picture of her running, laughing, and having a good time.  From that day on she has been excited to go, and is at the event as I type.

I was so proud of my daughter in that moment.  She sought the Lord and found peace and joy in His answer. And in her maturity to seek the Lord, I saw her as the young lady she is becoming.

In this new stage of life, where little girls become young ladies, I choose to ask the Lord for wisdom and to trust that He is holding my babes in His hands.