Just wait until they're teenagers

Back when all of my kids were little, people would often comment on how cute they were. They would frequently follow up these nice comments with "Just wait until they are teenagers." I would smile and walk away. They were still young so I didn't want to make too many bold predictions about how much I was really looking forward to those days.

Now that I have a teenager I have to set the record straight. I love my teenager. She has become such a blessing to our family. She is funny, bright, cheerful, hardworking, loving, sensitive, and a delight to have around. She has her shortcomings, which I point out to her occasionally, but she has many strengths. She has become someone that I enjoy being around, and many days could not live without.

When she was born, I was so afraid that we would not get along during the teen years. I was still close enough to my teen years to remember the friction with my Mom. She is so much like me in so many ways that I would think we would knock heads more than we do. She is much more even keeled than I am however, and has a better sense of humor. She and my Mom took a trip to Washington D.C. this last spring. My Mom was a little bit apprehensive about how to keep her from being bored. They ended up having some great adventures, and discovering that they traveled well together. It was a trip they will both treasure for many years to come.

I do realize that the teen years have just begun. And my Dad frequently reminds that little kids have little problems, and big kids have big problems. I know there will be bumps in the road, but I also know that she is my friend and that she can come to me with any problem. She has great faith in God, and He will be faithful to her always.