Got adult children? It is a wonderful blessing! I never really knew what to expect because we were so busy during the years leading up to this season...that I didn't have time to really anticipate it. We focus so much on caring for infants, toddlers, elementary school, middle school, high school...teenagers...and then all the changes during college...that we don't really have opportunity to consider the season of adult children.
We now have two adult children in their twenties and I can say...it's a beautiful, blessed and busy time, to say the least. There are major adjustments. For example, when our daughter leaves the house to return to her apartment, tears still fill my eyes. Or when our son leaves for another week at the university, it's also a tear-jerker. It's difficult when the house is way too quiet during the week...or when their needs are no longer a bruised knee or a class trip...but broken hearts or car trouble. But we love this season. We talk about life differently. We learn from each other. We embrace this season for we realize that all too soon, things will change once more and never be the same.
Although I miss many experiences from past seasons, one of the most heart-wrenching changes has been missing the night-time prayers when they were very little. We would place them on our lap, put our heads together and pray while holding their little hands in ours. I cherished each moment of those years. It was my prayer that they realized how important...and valuable...it was for them to talk with God each day. I also hoped that somehow the security, love, tenderness and bond we shared during those times was a reflection of the way their relationship with Him could be, also.
Tonight is one of those times that I just want to walk into my babies' rooms, hold them in my lap, sing our favorite night-time songs...and pray together. I want to kiss their sweet little faces, hug them tightly, tuck them in tenderly and tell them how much I love them. I want to watch them sleep...basked in the assurance of love, peace and security.
Perhaps I can take this time, instead, and realize that those moments can continue...from a little different perspective. Perhaps I can go to bed remembering that God holds me in His arms. He is hugging me tightly. He holds me tenderly and assures me that He loves me...still...after all these years. And while I sleep, He watches over me with love, peace and Presence. Oh, how I miss the years of holding our children in my arms. But for tonight, just maybe it is time to remember...I remain His child...being held in His loving arms, as well. ♥~thl
"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul." Psalm 23: 2>3
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