Growing Pains
This picture pretty much sums up Stella’s coming in hot mode speed of life. Once upon a time, my daughter and I took her to the vet with the simple need of a weight check for routine medicine. How hard could it be?
When we walked in the door, a literal game of pinball began. Stella was the pinball. Before I could tighten my grip on the leash, she bounded to the counter, leapt onto it, bounced off as if the granite was somehow made of rubberized trampoline material, ran a circle around me, jumped in the lap of a man in a wheelchair (angels were in our midst holding the wheelchair wheels on the ground so that it didn’t topple over), sprinted toward the door and around me again leaving me pinned to the wall with her leash wrapped around me as she ceased her antics stopping short exactly where she needed to be on the metal scale in the corner. This moment was like one of those movie scenes where everything happens in slow motion and people turn their heads to look at one another in amazement. My daughter and I were aghast.
I gave the lady at the counter a look that conveyed ‘I am so sorry for the ludicrosity that just took place and can you please send a technician to the car for Stella’s medicine’ once I peeled myself from my confines.
It happened before I could blink. And like sand through the hour glass, I’ve blinked and our daughter is going into high school next year.
It turns out that growing pains aren’t just for kids. Growing pains of parenthood are no joke. To borrow some Gen Z vocabulary, some days it feels like I’m crashing out. Be so for real.
A wise man of the Lord once described his tears of emotion as heart water. My heart is watering. It’s a mixture of tears of sadness as a season closes but also tears of joy as I witness the beautiful molding and shaping of her life.
The Lord has impressed on my heart two phrases over the last year. Know when to push and when to pray. And if you clip her wings, she won’t be able to fly. As parents, balance is such a fine line of helping them navigate successfully through strategic Spirit-led parental guidance and pushing them to the brink.
As I watch her grow and thrive, I never stop thanking the Lord for her. She radiates joy and kindness and her compassionate heart is truly a reflection of His love.
In the book of Samuel, Hannah prayed diligently for a child, and when the Lord remembered her (1 Samuel 1:19 NIV), she was given the gift of Samuel. Her response to motherhood was pure devotion. Samuel would be given back to the Lord.
1 Samuel 1:27-28, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”…(NIV)
Darling Girl, know that this momma loves you with a fierce, unwavering love that is a privilege and gift from the Lord. There will be eye rolls. Remember you are loved and cherished. There will be times when you’re frustrated with the answer no. Remember we are seeking His will, way, and guidance in this hood of parenthood. There will be times that you aren’t sure what to do. Remember your Heavenly Father knows the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7 NIV), and He is with you and for you. He loves you most of all. We’re a close second. There will be hills and valleys. Remember flowers grow in the valleys. There will be times that I embarrass you in this chapter of high school. Remember it’s a parental rite of passage. And there will be a time, in the not so distant future, that you will spread your wings and launch. Remember this momma and this daddy love you dearly. And we trust the Lord to grow you and guide you as you deepen your trust in Him.
Gracious Lord, thank You. Thank You for your redemption, grace, and Your kindness that leads us to the repentance of salvation. Protect, guard, and shield our Darling Girl as she launches into the hallways of high school. Root her in Truth. Surround her with a tribe who beats to the tune of Your drum. Deflect enemy darts and insulate her heart against anything counter to You. May Your favor rest on her steps. She is Your child. Amen.