Not Enough Time

As heard on K-LOVE, May 2010

Excerpted from Fresh Grounded Faith (Harvest House)

By Jennifer Rothschild

 

Connor and his fellow first graders had been instructed to bring “show and tell” items to school shortly after Christmas.  His teacher sent home specific instructions about how they were to present their special items. The rules included such admonishments as: choose an item that is meaningful to you, practice explaining its significance to your family, so you’ll be prepared to share with your classmates.  Be prepared to answer questions, and, keep your explanations to a five minute maximum.  So with such a lofty assignment, Connor sat on his bedroom floor surrounded with toys, books, trophies, and pictures.  He sighed heavily as he rifled through the potential show and tell fodder—and then called me to his room to share his dilemma.

 

“Mom, I can’t decide what to bring.  My stuff isn’t as good as Anallee’s. She got to bring Elvis, her dog.”

 

Somehow, to his seven-year-old world view, old family pictures and once favored toys paled in comparison to a real, live, furry dog.  I understood his quandary, so I offered what I thought was a sensational solution: “Connor, you can bring Clayton, your teenage brother.”  Without even a hint of contemplation, Connor flatly responded, “There’s not enough time to explain him.”  I snickered at the sage insight from such young lips.

 

Moms of teenagers understand the truth of his statement.  Teenagers are hard to explain! But, as a Mom who has had one and is about to have another, may I just say…don’t try to explain them, just enjoy them!  Enjoy their quirks; experience their moods.  But, most importantly, embrace them with God’s unconditional love.  Don’t assume the odd, inexplicable person they are in their early teen years is the grown up they will become! They will grow and mature through these years and so will you!

Most of all Mom, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, (in my words, which you can’t explain), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4: 6,7

Comments

[Maria Egilsson]

I needed to read this today. As a mom of a teenager who has become quite moody lately it has made for some anxious thoughts and moments. I had just breathed a prayer asking God for words of encouragement a few minutes ago. Thank you for sharing this.

Maria

[mom2fur]

This is so true! My oldest was hard to get to back when he was a teenager. He was another one that 'couldn't be explained.' Now he is a wonderful 27-year-old with a great job and his own home! He's the first to help out if you ask him (and sometimes even if you don't) and there's no better partner for Scrabble or Wii Sports, LOL!
If we always remember that every day is a new beginning, we can get through those teen years. (My youngest of 4 will be 20 next month.) It may not seem so at the time, but there is always hope for the future.