I'm far away from my teen days. However, I have a teen daughter and when I look at this picture I'm reminded of how closely we think alike.
Take the large yellow section for instance. I'm a lover. Everything I do, I do it with love. Unless I'm PMS'n and then there might be some fury mixed in but you can bet…..if I love you, I LOVE YOU! My youngest babe thinks she's in love right now. If it's not love, it's a giant crush. He's cute, I admit…but as a mom, I feel it's only right to be honest with her….he's just a boyfriend. Let the big mushy love stuff simmer while you grow up and find who it is God wants you to be.
Look how tiny the judgement gland is. Can you find it? It's way up there in a little bitty space that looks more like a thin line. I have issues with failing to use good judgement sometimes. I do things or come up with ideas that I don't ponder long enough and end up regretting later. I can't think of anything too awful that I've messed up but there are times that I let my good intentions get me into trouble. I'm learning still everyday….
Don't try doing something you think is wonderful for your teenager [who is moving into her own apartment soon] without consulting her first. You both might end up disappointed. It's better to just let them make their own decisions and find their own treasures. Parents are old and out of style, right?
Now check out the coolness part. For me, I'm totally comfortable there. Then again, I'm almost 47 years old. I no longer allow my insecurities to rule by happiness. It doesn't wreck my life if someone doesn't like me or find me attractive. When I was younger, those things mattered way more. I just wish there was a way to tell those behind me that it really gets better the older you get. I'm enjoying my life so much more now than I ever did before. I like me and I like who I am.
The funny thing about growing up is learning the answers to life's little problems. As you can see by the photo that doesn't take up much space in the brain of a teen. I guess getting older works that spot into shape. I hope both my girls will see (maybe not now…but very soon) that I do have some good answers to life's problems. I'm not so out of date that I can't help them get through something they are going through. I've been where they are and I made it out alive & well.
I'm preparing my heart for the next few weeks. Both my girls are moving to college in a town not far away. It's a huge step for them and even bigger for me. My nest will literally be empty! I keep thinking I'm ready and then I remember they will BE GONE and I get a lump in my throat. Will my heart be okay? I just don't know. I'm a big girl….it's time I start acting like it.
God
Thank you for the time I've had being a mom to my kids. Never have I taken a moment for granted. Let the lessons and love I've shared with them help them as they navigate the real world.
Amen
Tags: empty nest