Children

by Peggy B.

As you read this, I am in Washington State. Wayne and I have taken a trip to deliver much needed supplies to our daughter Bethany, who just moved in to her first apartment in Seattle. We’ve taken her bed, a table and chairs, some clothes that were hanging out here still, a toaster and other necessities.

Even though they still need us, it is a wonderful joy to see your children growing up and becoming adults! The process of growing is, by nature a struggle, but I sure am enjoying my grown (and mostly grown) kids.

I am reminded of the story of the man who came upon the butterfly struggling to get out of her cocoon. She was pushing and pulling with all of her might, and making very little progress. It looked to him like she was going to die in the process of getting out of her small incubator. He felt so sorry for her that he thought he must give her some help, and with his pocket knife he gently cut away the remaining threads that bound her beautiful wings. He then continued on his way, feeling content that he had done a good thing.

On his way home, however, he passed by the butterfly and found her lying dead on the ground; her wings still folded and creased, much as they had been when he left her. When he mentioned this to a friend who was familiar with butterfly behavior, his friend told him that the struggle to get out of the cocoon was very important for the butterfly. It was the struggle that got the blood flowing into the wings and strengthened them so that the butterfly could eventually spread her beautiful wings and sail into the air. The man realized that by making the butterfly’s life too easy, he had actually taken her life.

Don’t be afraid to let your children struggle with life. It is important for them to learn to work their “growing up” muscles and learn from their mistakes. You rushing in to help them with their problems is not what they need. It is so important for them to make their mistakes at home while they are young and growing where there is a cushion for them to land on and where they can get input from the parents who love and care for them and they can learn. This is God’s plan to give them strong wings so that when they “fly”, they are strong and ready to sail into the life He has planned for them.

It’s exciting to see them begin to soar! It is such a blessing to place them into the hands of the One who loves them most. Besides, He is the One who designed the process and will be working in their lives long after we can!

Jeremiah 29:11

'For I know the plans that I have for you (and your children)*,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

*addition mine

Heavenly Father, I thank you that You know exactly what each of my children needs in their lives! Bless them this day, and give me the courage to be their cheerleader as I stand on the sidelines and watch what You will do.