We passed another important milestone at my house this week. Matthew turned 15 and got his driver’s permit. I joked that Atlanta better watch out because there will soon be another Harrison boy on the road. In reality it was an exciting albeit slightly sad milestone. Only for a parent can a child’s birthday be both a celebration and a time of melancholy reflection.
With every birthday our kids celebrate, we realize just how close they are getting to not needing us as much. Every year brings a little more independence. Every year means they’re getting bigger, smarter, and hopefully a little more mature. This should give us comfort- to know that we’ve raised them to take care of themselves, but somehow it’s just not that simple.
I thought about this phenomena in light of the title we all hold- a child of God. God- our Father- sees each year pass for us too.
If we’re doing it right, He watches us grow- more like Him, He delights in our growing wisdom, and He beams with pride as we become more mature in our faith.
We-like any kid who gets a year older- are developing- again, if we’re doing it right.
The big difference is that doing it right also means we never become independent. We have to cling to our Father no matter our age or our perceived maturity. I believe that one of God’s greatest joys is to see us mature enough to not need Him, but be so mature that we know we still do.
And…now that I think about it…our kids will one day – if we’ve done it right- remember the same thing. Not only will they know that they need their heavenly Father, they will realize that they still need us too.
So, this Mother’s Day- let your mom know that she did it right and that even in your “maturity” you love and still need her.
Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms- biological and Spiritual!
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