Reflections on My Girls

Here's a quote I read in Reader's Digest when I was expecting my first child: "The decision to have a child is the decision to forevermore have your heart walking around on the outside of your body." I don't remember who said it, but those words have rung true in my life. My two beautiful daughters are definitely my heart! When they are happy or they succeed, I burst with happiness and pride. When they are sad or have been hurt, my heart breaks for them.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my girls and how fast they've grown up. Seems like this picture was taken just yesterday! (Boy, I feel old saying that!) But they are now ages 17 and 14 and are no longer the precious babies you see here. However, they will always be my precious babies even though they are now blossoming into wonderful young ladies! My husband and I are very proud of them and are proud to be their parents.

I thought parenting babies was hard (and don't get me wrong, it does have it's challenges), but I think parenting teenagers is much more challenging! My oldest is now driving. She and her sister are the best of friends, which thrills me to death! But now I often watch them get into the car and drive off together and I'm confronted with the fact that I can't be with them 24/7 to protect and guide their every move like I did when they were babies. I always pray as they drive away. I ask God to keep them safe and guide them in the things they do. After they're gone, sometimes I question myself. "Have we done a good job as parents? Have we prepared them for what's out there in the world? Do we give them too much freedom? Not enough? Have we spoiled them? Are we too hard on them? Will they make the right decisions in tough situations? Will someone hurt them? Break their heart?" The questions just keep on coming and so many things are out of my control! Parenting is an awesome responsibility and sometimes it goes by so fast that it's easy to wonder if you've done it right.

So far, I'm very pleased and proud of our girls and the decisions they've made for themselves. But as they continue to grow more independent of us, I know I have to turn my girls and their future completely over to God. After all, they are both just a gift that he's given to their father and me for a little while. I can't stop them from growing up. All too soon, I'll have to let them go to be adults and make their own decisions about their life and their faith. I'm thankful that both my girls have decided to give their lives to the Lord and love Him and trust Him. Because of that, I can rest assured that as they grow up and leave our "nest", God's grace will cover the parenting mistakes I've made and will guide them in their lives molding them into what He wants them to be. I'm just thankful to be their Mom. What a blessing!!

If you're reading this today and you have kids at home, give them a big hug and enjoy them. They grow up really fast!

Ashley and Chelsea, you are my heart and I love you! May God always bless and guide you.