The Children We Raise

Yesterday in church, we listened to the Children's Pastor as he was teaching on the topic of raising children.  He spoke with heartfelt passion of the mistakes and successes during his past and present times as a father.  Tears came to my eyes as it brought back my own memories of myself raising my own 4 children.  I'm sure my husband went through the same pauses as myself. What would I have done differently? Now that they are all adults, what can I change now?  What advice can I give them as they are adulting themselves?  Do they even want my advice?

As the years pass and children age becoming adults, I realize this again is a road less traveled for myself.  My mistakes are new mistakes and still can cause trauma.  How do I rectify this as I continue to learn regarding parenting?  I am and forever will be their Mom.  My role as I understand now is to be a model of what it means to be an adult.  I continue to make mistakes.  Just different ones.  However, what I want more then anything as I write this, is for them to know that I love them. Just as much or even more than I did when I birthed them.  I am so proud of the people they have become.  Each are different.  Each have their own passions.  Each loves God.

Now it's their turn to make their own mistakes. One day, they too will reflect on their past of good and bad.  Growing and learning can be painful and also rewarding.  I hope to never stop feeling, learning, and growing.  Yes, I still cry a lot as I hurt looking back.  God forgives, and I know my children will too.

Now the grandchildren.  Oh my...

                                                                   Nicolette Sowder