Like the farmer, parents sow seeds. We plant seeds for growth in character and values. We sow rituals to foster traditions. Our children’s hearts are the soil. Sometimes it is rocky. Sometimes shallow. Other times our seeds compete with the thorns of bad habits and negative culture. But there is always the HOPE that some seed will fall on good soil. We need to be faithful to continue sowing seeds AND nurture the soil.
In our imperfect world with our imperfect parenting, we won’t always get it right. Our conversations are far from Mary Poppins’ spoonful of sugar. Parenting fails are expected. However, every time we do it wrong (which we will) we have a chance to ask for forgiveness and start over. Each day is a new start and opportunity to plant new seeds.
In all challenging days of meal-making, carpool, after-school practices, homework, weekend games, dance recitals, competitions, online meetings, working overtime, home improvement repairs, and trips to the market, I hope we can enjoy pieces of the parenting adventure. It is hard. And it takes intentionality to look for the joy.
Ready for a ride??? Fasten your seat belts as raising teens can feel like a speedway with a lot of hairpin turns! Change. Flexibility. The teen adventure is about shifting gears.
