A specific kind of quiet sometimes settles over our home now that we are parenting both a pre-teen and a teenager. It’s different from years gone by when we experienced the silence of a napping toddler; now it’s the heavy, contemplative silence of a house full of bigger bodies, big emotions, and big questions.
As a mother in my fifties with children still in school, I often feel like I’m living in two different time zones at the same time. Many who don’t know me well, treat me as older, an empty nester, not realising that in many ways, I am still in the throes of raising young children just like them.
In the world’s eyes, this might look like the result of a “delayed” life. A delayed start to marriage and having children means a delayed transition to being an empty nester and becoming a grandparent.
But in God’s economy, it is not delayed — this is a later season harvest, and it is beautiful.
As a first-time mom in my late thirties, every fever felt like a crisis and in the early school years, every poor mark felt like my own personal failure. But now in my fifties, I have the benefit of the “long view”. I’ve lived enough of my life to know that a poor mark isn’t actually the end of the world, and a moody afternoon (sometimes more than one in a row) isn’t the end of a relationship.
Instead of feeling behind schedule and out of sync, I’ve come to learn that my maturity is a gift to my children. I can offer them a steady hand and a regulated (most of the time anyway) nervous system even if my day didn’t go according to plan, either.
Most importantly, I have learned firsthand that God is faithful not just in the big moments but in the day to day of just showing up and trying my imperfect best. This is what I am able to pass on to my children not just in word but in deed as well. He has always met me just where I’m at and I know He will do the same for them.
Granted, my energy may not be what it was when I was in my thirties but my enthusiasm and commitment, which comes from years of walking with the Lord, makes the difference. I am encouraged by what I read in Psalm 92:14: They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green. When we believe in Him, we are promised a life that defies spiritual decline despite our physical aging.
When my teenager sees me struggle with the death of my parent or a career shift, they aren’t just hearing about a sermon on “faithfulness in difficult times” or “perseverance” — they are watching it unfold in real-time. As the Word promises, my grey hairs (whether hidden by dye or worn with pride) are a “crown of splendour” that gives my words weight (Proverbs 16:31).
So, when I find myself tired at the end of a long day, I am choosing to take heart. I am also choosing to shift my focus from my physical tiredness to my spiritual fruitfulness.
I may not have been called to parent with youthful energy, but I have been called to parent with God-given endurance. This later season is not a holding pattern. It is an opportunity to demonstrate to my children that faith isn’t something we outgrow. It is something that only becomes richer, deeper, and more necessary as we age.
To parents everywhere, no matter your age or the age of your children: may He who is faithful, sustain you as you sustain those entrusted to your care. For we can’t do it without Him.
Please help us to keep on publishing news that brings Hope in Jesus:
>> Donate >> Become a Super Subscriber
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/gatewaynews100
COMMENTING GUIDELINES
You are welcome to engage with our articles by making comments [in the Comments area below] that add value to a topic or to engage in thoughtful, constructive discussion with fellow readers. Comments that contain vulgar language will be removed. Hostile, demeaning, disrespectful, propagandistic and off-topic comments may also be moved. This is a Christian website and if you wish to vent against Christian beliefs you have probably come to the wrong place and your comments may be removed. Ongoing debates and repetitiveness will not be tolerated. You will also disqualify yourself from commenting if you engage in trolling.
