Oh man. This raising teens/tweens business is not for the faint of heart. Can I get an amen?
The other night I just felt like I needed to get out of the house for a bit. I thought that it might be best for all parties involved if we took a breather and got some distance. Hubby offered to stay home with the children who I love dearly but who I’m also convinced are trying to make me lose my ever loving mind.
As I backed out of the driveway I realized that my original plan of heading downtown for some retail therapy wasn’t really going to cut it. What I needed to truly calm my spirit was open spaces, fresh air and beautiful scenery.
I turned the car in the other direction and soon found myself driving along winding country roads with the window rolled down and cool air soothing my overheated temper. And as I drove, I prayed for God to give me His word, His guidance, His wisdom.
And do you know what God told me? As clear as day, these words came to my mind.
“Hold on loosely, but don’t let go.”
Yes folks. Apparently God can even use the lyrics from a 38 Special song from 1981 to speak to you if He wants to.
I didn’t really care how He got my attention. Although, let me just say that it’s pretty awesome when you realize that God can use just about anything to speak to you, including random songs from the 80’s.
And, oh how I needed to hear those words.
It was like He was reminding me that these precious kiddos whom I absolutely adore, don’t really belong to me. They are HIS!
Sometimes I’m holding on so tightly because I’m absolutely terrified of messing up on the most important job I’ve ever been given. But God wants me to remember that while He has given me charge of these amazing humans, I’m simply a steward.
I’m to prepare and love and pray over and love and train and love and counsel and love some more. But, ultimately, He holds them in His hands and loves them even more than I do.
So, I can hold on a little more loosely. Not letting go of course!
But remembering that their Heavenly Father (and mine!) is unfolding an incredible story for their lives and I’m simply here to usher them into each new chapter.
Thanks for meeting me at the fence here today,
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33 Comments on "Hold on Loosely"
This word came to me when i needed it most thank u Vanessa
You are so right! Teens take every ounce of parenting skill, such as it is, to maintain a semblance of okayness. Is that even a word? Toddlers are challenging, but you are still in control! Teens push every button and while you are trying to instill goodness, you are gradually loosing control! Love that song, and it is perfect for most teen situations! Hang in there:)
ps our website is not live till hopefully later this week!
At least we know we are all in this parenting thing together right Kimberley! I’m so sorry you are going through such a challenging time right now with your son but you are absolutely right that we need to remember that they are HIS children first. Prayers and blessings to you too as you navigate through this season! xoxo
Jan I have to tell you that I totally took your advice yesterday with my son and in the middle of what was ramping up to be a confrontation I just stopped and smiled at him and told him I loved him. It completely diffused the tension and we were able to just move past it. Thank you so much for your wise, encouraging words!! xoxo
Thank you so much for your encouragement Barbara! Truly appreciate your wise words. xoxo
My children are several years out of the teenager stage but being a young adult and trying to navigate life can be just as challenging. I still go through those very same things…and my oldest will be 30 on Wednesday…and youngest has already turned 25 this year.
I have heard that the young adult years can definitely be very challenging too. It never really ends, does it? It just changes. Thank you Karen!
Such beautiful, wise words you’ve shared with me Michele! Thank you so much sweet friend for being so encouraging. Many blessings to you! xoxo
I never truely understood the meaning of that song until just now. Carry on with your important task of raising good citizens.
Ending the Parent-Teen Control Battle is the title of a book I just found out about today that deals with stresses associated with rearing teenagers. I thought about you since I had read your post earlier today.
That book sounds amazing Daphne! I’m off to look for it. Thank you!
Hope it’s a helpful book for you.
My heart goes out to you. Also when you are feeling like this remem. that this is just for a season and this too shall pass. and the next time you may look back and they are all grown.
my heart goes out to you. remem. this to shall pass and its just for a season.
Thank you so much Pamela!
Vanessa, so glad that we could meet you at the picket fence tonight and pray for you that God will give you the patience and wisdom you need to deal with the things that come your way.
Keep looking up to Him! We will keep you in our prayers!
Thank you so much Mary-Ann!! I appreciate the prayers and encouragement more than I can say. xoxo
It is good that you took time for yourself and wonderful you were open to hear from our Lord!! We all need some escape for ourselves to commune with nature and draw closer to God. I believe that is why he created our lovely natural world!
I totally agree with you Rose! I’m so very grateful for this beautiful world we live in, especially when I need to escape the teenagers. 😉
Two out of my four grown children gave me a lot of grief (promiscuity, lying, and drugs) and I was sometimes tempted to give in to despair. God was so good and although it took time many years, all of my four children are wonderful adults that I’m so very proud of.
Thank you for the encouragement Bonnie and the reminder that even when they stray God is in control and we shouldn’t lose hope. Blessings to you!
Bless you sweet girl and thank you for putting yourself out there in realville…I see blessings coming your way 🙂
Thank you so much Valarie! I LOVE your word ‘realville’. Totally borrowing that one! 😉
Thank you so much for your post! I can completely empathize, as I have a 15 yr. old who is going through some struggles and can be quite challenging. Your words were inspirational to me, and I will remember them. Praying for easier times ahead for you! Thank you again.
Love the fact that you & Heather keep it real. This site is refreshing to read. It doesn’t make me feel like I am inadequate reading other venues of social media. Life is real filled with valleys and mountain top experiences but mostly just long flat roads but Christ is there, past present & future.