My Girls

The summer before my sophomore year of high school, a new youth pastor and his bride entered my life. Their love, support, and encouragement made a huge impact upon me. I knew I could talk to them and receive godly counsel. I knew they'd point me to the Truth of God's Word. I knew they'd direct me back to my parents and their authority. It was through this dear couple that God impressed on me the desire to marry a youth pastor. I longed for Him to use me to disciple and encourage students, particularly young girls. Before long, God answered that prayer, and I did indeed marry a youth pastor...the most incredible one ever!

After 15 years in ministry, we love what we do as never before! We desire to direct the hearts of the kids to their parents and the hearts of parents to their kids (Malachi 4:6).

Those of you who read my blog probably know that I'm the blessed mom of three amazing sons. I'm so deeply grateful for the immense gifts of these young men. I wouldn't trade 'em for the world! At the same time, my heart had always desired a daughter. Throughout the early years of secondary infertility, I pleaded and argued and bargained with God. At times I was bitter over the fact that He was not giving me a daughter. But such an amazing thing happened when I finally released the grip I had on my dream and gave it fully over to Him. As I gave Him my desires, He blessed me with new desires. And at this time, the relationships I had with the girls in our youth group began to flourish. God answered my prayer in such unexpected ways. Rather than giving me a daughter, he gave me multiple daughters! These girls so often challenge and inspire me. Many of them truly hunger and thirst for righteousness. I love to see them using their gifts to bring honor and glory to God. Oh, I wish you could know them...they are amazing young women! How I praise God for the close-knit relationships He's given me in them!

I mentioned in my previous post that I grow rather nostalgic during this time of year. It's due in part to the fact that our boys are ever-growing and changing. But that's not the only reason. It's May, and graduation season is upon us. We've celebrated at "Salute to Seniors" and look ahead to "Graduate Sunday." And my heart begins to ache, for soon "our" kids will be leaving...the ones we've loved and and discipled and counseled since 7th grade...the ones with whom we've prayed and worshipped and served...the ones with whom we've laughed and cried and celebrated...the ones with whom we've lingered over a cup of coffee or an early morning breakfast...the ones we've given a swift kick in the pants (when necessary) and the ones for whom we've wholeheartedly cheered. Yes. These kids. Our kids. And every year at this time, something inside begins to hurt, 'cause soon our kids will be flying away. Despite the fact that this is a process we must go through each year, it never gets any easier.

So yes, my heart is feeling somewhat raw...tender...throughout these current days. And while I know I'm not their parent and can't begin to feel the many emotions that their own moms and dads are experiencing, there's still that all-too-familiar ache. Oh, I know our kids are ready. I know God has grand things in store. But nevertheless, I'll be smiling and cheering through tears as I watch them take off and follow God in obedience.

To each of "our" kids ~ know how much we love you!