Appreciating 17
Written by Jen Tuesday, 09 August 2011 13:14
Blog
In my mind's memory, I still see and feel the quiet, blond-haired boy who loved to climb into my lap and fall asleep. It's tough to admit, but that little boy has been gone for a long time. And in these waning summer days, when talk becomes more about getting the reading assignments done, preparing for one more round of standardized tests (thank you, College Board), and dressing up for those hateful senior pictures--because the family would like one--I often forget about the amazing young man in-the-making before me. The "what if" worries really need to be replaced with "what if" hopes. Most of all, I...we... need to have an appreciation for the wonder of now. Now, I can enjoy the wit and the creativity and the pure joy of youth as I watch every day unfold. I can appreciate my son's unique gifts as he learns to fully appreciate them. Now, we can establish a new relationship, one where the old folks coach, and he carries the ball.(Still working on that coaching part.)
God has blessed all of us with today. My goal is to appreciate every moment, even the tumultuous ones where I say something like "Go to sleep! It's 2:00 a.m." and he says "I am not even one bit tired." If you have teens, let's try this appreciation exercise together. Repeat after me...it's all good...it's all good...
On a recent trip to Florida, we stayed in a lovely condo near the coast. On the kitchen wall was a plaque reading, "If you're lucky enough to be at the beach, you're lucky enough." My personal amendment is, "If you're breathing, you are blessed."
Today is a new day and we are all still breathing. It's time to be grateful. Seventeen is an adventure. God is good.
