My family is growing in the way of children becoming adults and getting married. You know as I prepare myself for the coming days, weeks, and months, I am reflecting on where we as a family have been and I am visioning where we are going. I do not know about any of you, if you are parents, but I keep thinking about the small children running around the house in their diapers or underwear playing with that perfect laugh that only a small child can make. I can even envision them taking their baths together and splashing around in the tub. OK, I know that I have probably embarrassed them fully with that last memory, but what else do parents do except embarrass their children.
I can climb the memory ladder to both of them participating in Taekwondo and practicing with each other at the house. I can also see us playing basketball in the driveway or me coaching them in children’s leagues. I remember going on trips together over the years. My son still owes me a trip down Space Mountain from our only trip to Disney World. I am hoping that he makes enough money to take me back some day. J I can see him just flying down the mountain skiing and Lisa and I were asking him to prove that he knew how to ski properly. He would go a little ways then ask, “Now can I just go fast?” I remember when a guy almost ran over his mom on the ski run and he wanted to “do something about it.” He was about eight at the time. On the same trip, my daughter wasn’t sure she wanted to ski until she received lessons from the “right” person. I see both of my children through all the different stages of maturation and wonder where did the time go? Knowing that in just a few short months I will not have them as dependents, but rather they will be married and beginning a new life of their own. What a thought is that!
My heart leaps in anticipation of what will be next for them. Part of the anticipation is pure joy while another part is questioning. I question myself as a parent. Did I train them in the way they should go? Did I model good relationship qualities in front of them? Did I point them to the Face of God no matter what the circumstances? Did I teach them how to trust God in all things? Did I show them unconditional love and acceptance? I guess this list could go forever as well. Parents, do you ever question yourselves when it comes to your parenting skills? I would love to hear about your questions.
This whole growth pattern started several months ago as Caleb told me that he was engaged. I immediately started asking him questions about jobs, money, school, plans, etc. Since the initial shock, I have been praying for God to work in his life to lead him and give him wisdom. I have seen him make tremendous strides in becoming a man. We have had some very serious conversations and then some light ones as well. I have enjoyed my conversations with his future bride, Leathia, as well. I look forward to what God is going to do in their relationship.
The pattern continued a few weeks ago when a young man called me to ask if we could have lunch together. I said yes and we met a couple of days later. I knew that he and Danielle were seriously talking about getting married so I knew what the purpose of the meeting was. As I sat there, I had so many thoughts of what I needed to say and what I needed to ask. As the conversation progressed, it became very obvious that God had placed this man, David in my daughter’s life. I felt more and more at ease as we talked. Do I have concerns? I have a few. But I know that in the long run, God has put these two together and He is working in their lives. Lisa and I even helped David set up one of the most romantic proposals I have ever witnessed. Maybe one day we will post the video for all to see. Danielle never knew about any of those conversations. What an eventful time in our lives.
I guess as a parent you expect these times to come, but when they come you question if you are ready for them. Am I ready? I do not know if I am or not, but ready or not here they are! I just cannot wait to see how God is going to bring The Watsons along in tHis journey and how He will use us and our new additions to further His Kingdom.