Getting braces on Noah and Alyssa has been a regular reminder of their rapid progression towards adolescence...another step towards that phase of life that makes most parents cringe in apprehension. Books such as Paul Tripp's Age of Opportunity and Carolyn Mahaney's Girl Talk pair up on my reading list. A chapter here and there to answer the latest question or dilemma.
But it's an exciting season as well. The kids are beginning to think through their own decisions and beliefs. They are beginning to evaluate their hearts and personal choices they make. Hopefully the training we've done so far is beginning to bear fruit and our Christian faith will become their own.
I can be tempted to fear the upcoming years, but I am enthusiastic about it as well. I don't think I've ever felt more of a need to pursue discernment from others, and to seek God, from Whom all wisdom flows. And slowly, I am learning to loosen the protective restraints we've placed upon them in their earlier years. But I still want to hold on.
Training hearts while training teeth. Never thought braces would bring on so much reflection! Surely their symbolism will keep me on my knees, as I'm bracing myself for the future.
