Rick has been out of town for several days, and I am discovering where the friction between moms and teenagers comes in. All of a sudden they have lives that I don't get to control. However, they would like me to facilitate their activities by footing the bill and getting them there. Ahem, I guess they don't realize I have a life too.
I have found myself more than once this week sounding just like my Mom. Go ahead and smile Mom, you deserve it. I got to experience my Dad's side of the argument when I asked him to leave his 40th birthday party to pick me up from my friend's house. I'm pretty sure I ended up grounded and still had to walk. I picked up my dear child before the party, but also before their activity officially ended, compromise.
With 1 Mom, 9 children, 3 activities, 1 driver, and limited funds the end result is needing a lot of love to cover it. I had to repent to the whole lot the other night. I gave them the opportunity to point out where I had been unjust so that I could ask for forgiveness. It seemed to clear some of the air. At 6:30 this morning when my daughter asked her Dad for a ride, he is much more sympathetic than I am, he gave in. I would have made her ride her bike, which is good for her, and what my Dad would have made me do. I know this is the beginning of many good things, albeit not easy.
Parenting is the constant adventure. It is not for the faint of heart, or the proud. My kids keep me very humble on a regular basis, they also humble each other so things are fair. (Don't get me going on the fairness of life, just ask my kids it isn't pretty.) I have the best job in the world, and the best kids. They are just what I need. I have to admit that my parent were right, someday I would understand. So here you go Mom and Dad, I was a selfish teenager who did not thank you nearly enough for all of the times you made me suffer the consequences of my own bad decisions. And I certainly didn't thank you enough for the times that you graciously bailed me out with much pain and suffering on your end. You are both wonderful, I couldn't ask for anyone better.
Editorial note: Mads is not nearly the stinker I was at 15.
Life in a small town with a large family. Trying to put God on display.
2 comments:
My grandma's mantra for fair is short and sweet: "The only thing fair in life is Hell."
That pretty much says it all!
oh boy!! I have a friend who used to say to her kids on a regular basis..."whoever told YOU that life was "fair"....LIED!"
my quote was always... "it rains on the just and the unjust alike"..
someday you will be your parents, and be on the end of the "I'm sorry for being selfish" apology...
we all do it.. we all live through it and we'd all do it again... :)
try to roll with the punches.. pick your battles, and just enjoy the ride..many days I wish I was still on the train!!
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