I have just returned from a conference/family vacation that lasted about 7 days. It was a wonderful getaway and much needed. As I got up this morning I ached all over and realized that I am not as young as I used to be. All the going and doing with the kids has left me in need of ... another vacation! Anyway, I have really been reflecting on my children this past week. Each one uniquely different but each one a special blessing to me and Amy. Each one with their faults but each one with their individual talents and strengths. It seems sometimes that we as parents, and particularly me, focus on the negative things in our children and tend to overlook some of the good in the process. I have a tendency to be quick to correct and discipline but maybe a little slow to praise and nurture. As I watched my kids this past week play, laugh, fight, argue, eat, swim and interact in various ways I became keenly aware of their individualities. Each one, like a snowflake, different in so many ways. Yes, all are children, members of the human race , but so very, very different. I also realize that with my tendency to control and bring order , I have at times tried to push each of my kids through a "cookie cutter" and make them behave and react like I think they should. This hasn't worked well for me. Don't get me wrong, I believe each child should behave and have manners, but the personalities of these children cannot be changed. Hunter--14 years old, so deperately wanting to be a man and to be strong. Crazy about girls but doesn't want anyone to know it. Doesn't want to be treated like a child but still behaves as one so often. Drives me and Amy crazy with typical teenage apathy and lack of motivation. Has a compassionate heart and is tender--but don't tell anybody.Very smart, but doesn't want to look too smart. After all, only nerds make straight "A's", right? Priorities include cell phones, text messaging, guitar hero, hollister clothes ,junk food. and girls(not necessarily in that order).Socializing is more important than grades when it comes to school. Seems to live to disagree with little sister Amber. How does a parent survive this teenage funk without losing their sanity or killing the teenager? This too, will pass and a young man will emerge, hopefully with godly traits that we've tried to instill. Tanner--11 years old, so much like me in ways that it's scary. Often debilitated by illness, he has become unusually compassionate for those who are sick. Lives to explore nature and all types of creatures. An excellent student who enjoys making Amy and I proud. Doesn't like to brush teeth or hair and really doesn't care what he wears--Mom has to help. Takes on the role of peace-maker between big brother and little sister. If you need the truth--ask Tanner.
Amber--9 years old and going on 25. Headstrong , opinionated and manipulative. The truth is made to be stretched and life is just a big pajama party with dolls, stuffed animals and lots of kareoke and dancing. Beautiful. Everyday she gets prettier. From her freckled nose to her hazel eyes she is all the best of her mother and me. God's masterpiece of creation. Loving, friendly and outgoing--she never meets a stranger. Voted friendliest in her class her favorite thing to do in school is "chit chat" with her friends. Her way is , in her opinion, the best way. She is 100% girl(loves shopping and new clothes and dressing up) but will still go fishing with her daddy. Never backs down from a fight or argument--after all, she is always right!
Mix these diverse personalities together and what do you have? Never a dull moment. Children are an inheritance from the Lord. Happy is the man whose quiver is full. Sometimes I get stressed out with all the drama--it's good to remember a quote from Evelyn Nown. "Perhaps parents would enjoy their children more if they stopped to realize that the film of childhood can never be run through for a second showing."  Through the laughs and through the tears, I don't want to miss a single scene of their lives. Thank God for my children!