(**Psst, maybe consider scrolling down and clicking on the video while you read?)
“I’m not ready for this.”
As a parent, I’ve said that phrase countless times. My inability to keep up with the rapidly forward- moving pace of life gives insight into my focus. Did you catch it? “I’M NOT READY.”
The trouble is, we rarely think we are ready for change. Where our children are concerned, they are almost 100% more ready than we think we are for whatever next step is next.
Last month, it was Kindergarten. Five days a week. That’s every day but Saturday and Sunday, by the way. That’s a lot of days for a mama and her green-eyed homebody girl. And it hasn’t been easy. But she’s blooming. And she gets in the car and tells how she made friends with a classmate who was “all alone” I’m smiling now and I remember that HIS hand is guiding her, not my ability to watch her every step.
And at Church she moved up from the Preschool department and I think I might just cry if she stops wanting to wear hair bows. But that first Sunday morning– she stood on the chair next to me and she read the Worship lyrics and she SANG. Of her own accord to my God who I hope she will choose to follow. And I never, just never knew that kind of joy of standing next to my barely grown 5 year old and realizing the capacity that growing creates. She was ready for this. And it readies her for what’s next.
And Oh, I hope I’m growing and growing some more with the same breathless joy. I hope that when God is leading me farther, higher, into more– that I get up and JUST GO. Laughing at the future, not looking back forlornly.
Let’s agree, you and me. No shrinking back, no refusal to be stretched, even when it feels strangely like growing pains. Even when we can NOT see where He will lead us next.
Unknown City. Unknown job. Unknown future. Unknown path. Unknown Whatever.
That restless feeling? It may just be the movement of God as He moves toward you to move you FORWARD.
Let’s just be ready to go. Higher. Deeper.
Because one thing we know, HE GOES BEFORE US.
And this– because well, All Sons and Daughters says it pretty well.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGDVlOKoOoE]
Linking up with the fantastic Flash Mob of Writers over at Kate’s for Five Minute Friday.
So thankful He goes before us always…whether I’m really ready or not…and particularly to get me ready sometimes! Great post, Cynthia!
Hi Sweet friend. Very rarely are we ready, right? Glad He prepares the way and so often waits patiently for us to “get it in gear!” 🙂
I wholeheartefly agree with you on this: “No shrinking back, no refusal to be stretched, even when it feels strangely like growing pains. Even when we can NOT see where He will lead us next.” It’s in the mystery of the unknown that lies ahead… that’s where growth happens.
Hey Asheritah! The mystery is often where the growth happens, isn’t it? I find myself often thinking I have no idea of the next few steps to take– but that’s when I’m reminded He guides our steps. And I’m so thankful for that very thing.
This week kindergarten, next week college. Ok, maybe it’s not that fast, but it sure seems like it! How wonderful that she’s growing and you’re growing right along with her!
I think you’re right, Anita… because I definitely feel like they were just newborns and I was staring at them, wondering at how incredibly small they were. 🙂 Thanks for coming by!
I agree, It really feels like parenthood is the vehicle God uses to ready us for life, really. Our kids being the byproduct of all we learn… I loved reading this!
I love that Somer, “parenthood is the vehicle God uses..” Thank you for stopping by.
HE goes before us! And that means not just me, but my kids too, even when I can’t, because so often I can’t! Amen
YES! Amazing how watching them grow, grows us. Thanks for saying hi, Jamie!
Oh I love this… I remember those very moments with my own girlie who is now All Growed Up (as she used to say way back when!) I’m with you, friend… (and oh how I love All Sons and Daughters!)
Karrilea, I always love to see IG posts when you three are all together, even though she is officially a college student. Love that you and your girl are BFF’s. My mom and I are too. <3
Cynthia- I love this! And this line echoes in my own heart today, “I hope that when God is leading me farther, higher, into more– that I get up and JUST GO. Laughing at the future”. May we both laugh together! Great post! #fmf
Yes, Karen. Let’s laugh together. Thanks for saying hi!
Way to make me cry over my coffee this morning with these sweet words. Love this 🙂
I definitely shed a few tears writing it, Crystal. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I remember those days with both my sweet kiddos. They are each now in their 20’s and one is out of the house on his own. It seems like just yesterday I was carrying school supplies in to class for him and then this past weekend I carried boxes into his new apartment.
<3 Amy, I love that this community offers us all the opportunity to say, "Me too" whatever the stage. It does this mama's heart good to know he still needed you to help carry boxes.
Yes….we are never really ready as parents…they are always more ready, and rightly so! I left my daughter on the other side of the continent for college…now that was something I wasn’t ready for! But God prepares us, stretches us and gets us through! Thanks for these words of encouragement! 🙂
Thank you, Rachel. He does stretch us and get us through. Praying His continued peace over you and your girlie!
This. This brought me to tears. Just what this mama’s heart needed to hear. Beautifully written. Thank you for faithfully being God’s vessel to pour out these timely words.
Love you friend, and that little baby boy you’re holding. I pinky promise to let you cry to me when he goes to Kindergarten.
Love this song!
Me too, Liz. It’s so tempting to stay where we are and not be stretched sometimes, isn’t it?
That’s a good one!!! Even if we feel like we aren’t ready for, God Is at our side to guide us…