Growing Older, or Growing Up?

16...12...40...8.

This is a big year for milestone birthdays in our family.  

Jared turned 16 on Saturday.  The last few weeks have seen him behind a steering wheel, and cleaning the  basement.  He has also been staying busy with play practice and school, but those activities are old friends.  Turning 16 means it is time for Mom and Dad to turn their time and attention back on him again.  Daniel has been taking extra time after work and on the weekends so Jared can practice driving.  I insisted he plan a party and invite guests, both male and female - just for the experience.  

Ever since the announcement was made to change the missionary age to 18, I've been fully aware that Jared will be facing the world soon.  Growing older can be done in his sleep, but that is no way to prepare for the life he came here to live. As parents, I think we want our children to know everything we have learned, but without the hard experiences which taught us.  If I could give him one thing in these next few years, it would be an understanding that God loves him, even more than I do. When his challenges seem overwhelming or too hard to bear, to recognize that God is mindful of him. The things we struggle with most may be the very means of obtaining life's precious lessons and gifts.  This is the process of growing up.