Back then, my son was snuggly and cuddly and really, really loved his mommy. I miss those days. Turns out, teenage boys don’t have much use for hugging their mamas. I’m sure Freud would have an opinion as to why that is the case. My open arms have sometimes been met by his stiff one, or by a turn of his shoulder. Words have pushed me away, telling me to leave him alone. He’s trying to become a young man, to stand on his own two feet, and that’s as it should be. No mother should ever willingly keep her son a mama’s boy. Watching a boy turn into a man can get ugly and messy, however, and it can be hard on a mother’s heart.
Last week, though, I got hugs. My son had his wisdom teeth removed. He was in pain. He felt helpless and afraid; he let me draw him close and comfort him. Now, before anyone gets the idea that I get some sick satisfaction out of seeing my son hurting, let me assure you I pray for his healing, for the regaining of his strength. Seeing him humbled and brought low, however, reminds me that humility is a gift God gives when I am refusing His offers of comfort and peace.
I can be a bratty teenager before my heavenly Father, wanting to stand on my own two feet, doing things my way. I can pitch a fit, slam doors, tell Him to leave me alone, push Him away in stiff-armed rebellion. Until.
Until my wisdom fails and I’m out of ideas and life is too messy and hard for me to figure out on my own. Like when I’m raising teenagers, for example. When I am frightened and in pain and humbled and brought low, I am finally ready to hear my Father’s voice saying:
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you… (Isaiah 66:13)
Joining Emily and unwrapping the gift of humility.
6 comments:
Love that we can be messy in God's presence and He loves us the same... this was a great reminder. I love it... and your opening statement had me chuckling. :)
nancy, this is such a sweet reminder. so true. i have had occasion to compare myself to my own 2 and 4 yr olds by the nature of MY OWN tantrums. he loves us. and i love that picture of your son. my oldest is a thumbsucker (still).. i think it's so sweet!!
well said!
This has nothing to do with what you wrote, but way to look exactly the same as you did back then (except maybe the hair).
I don't have any sons, but it's been great to watch big brother go from hating hugging me to instructing little brother to "just let her hug her because she's little and she needs it, and remember that at some point the hug will be over." We're getting there.
Oh, I do not want to think about the days when the hugs come to an end!!!
This picture, though? It is perfection. :)
I remember that boy! I love you both and love seeing God work. Thank goodness we have a Father who listens to tantrums loves us anyways.
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