I got to spend this past weekend with some really cool, (& mature beyond their years) teenagers from church. We had Winter Camp up in Running Springs...& the topic was dating/relationships & purity. I must admit I was thinking " what words of wisdom am I going to say about these topics???"...except what not to do when dating! I was a bit of a wild child as a teenager, & I really didn't want to listen to anyones advice or direction, so I actually admire how these kids handle themselves & the choices they make. It turned out to be a great weekend, & I did have a chance to share a few things from my personal experiences with the girls, that I think they appreciated.
Sunday, the day we were leaving camp, was my birthday. So on the long drive home(I got us lost a few times), I had a lot of time to think. I'm glad I did. Turning 37 is not the most fabulous thing in the world to me, & I have been trying not to have that feeling of dread as I get closer & closer to 40. Anyway, so driving home I was thinking...how lucky am I, to get to have spent the weekend with these teenagers? To get to spend part of my birthday serving....that is so much better than sitting around thinking about how old I am. Ha ha. Then I was just thanking God that I have made it to the age I am now, cause when I was their age I never would have pictured my life, the way it is now. So I am looking forward to this year ahead...all 37 years of me!
By the way.....it get's to be kind of a fire hazard with this many candles!
We went a little crazy with the paper heart making, around here....
Happy February!
My thinking cap has been on & I've been pondering a few things lately. I was trying to picture my little noisy, funny, full of energy kids as adults. It's hard to envision, because they are such little sprouts now, but I know they will grow up sooner or later. I am curious what their personalities will be like, & what will be important to them.
I was having a conversation with a lady I know, the other day. We were both kind of on the same page about wanting our kids to go out & experience life when they are older. About how it shouldn't be all about getting into the right college, to get the high paying career, & settling down in your big house with the white picket fence when you're older. Don't get me wrong, college is great, & I hope my kids go, if they want to. I just want them to be able to pursue their passions, wherever they lie. So I came up with a few things, a few hopes I have for my 3.
I hope they will:
* Do what they love career wise, whether that be... artist, trash man, missionary, politician, etc. etc. Whatever.
* See & experience how other people live in the world, & respect their ways of life.
* Truly have a heart for the broken. Know that the homeless person, the addict, or prostitute is no different the doctor, lawyer, or Pastor...we are all made in God's image.
* Really get that they are unique(as we all are) & be ok with who they are, & not feel the need to be like everyone else, or follow others.
* Have a respect for God's creations. Genuinely care about people, animals, & the environment. My little future tree huggers!
High hopes, huh??? I know there will be bumps in the road, & I know they aren't perfect, but if they end up with good hearts & values, I will be happy.
P.S. Bonus Points to the kid(s) who remain lifelong Vegetarians.
