Train up a child in the way that he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
My oldest son will be starting junior high school after the summer. And I as a mother I’m filled with mixed emotions this morning.
He’s growing up. Literally. Moving forward. Ahead.
Somehow I thought he would always be ‘momma’s baby’, that I’d always be able to look inside the rear view mirror of our car and glance at him sleeping. It’s a rush that’s catching up to me – slowly.
Motherhood continues to bring revelation: Lasting influence and fleeting control. How ultimately I’ll always have one and not the other.
It’s beautiful. He’s beautiful.
It’s reflecting. He’s a reflection.
And I’ll remain prayerful.
To God’s hold on him and not my own.
God’s promise to me.
Train up a child…
Photo Credit: AudreyJm
justmyfaithtalking 
Tahlitha, great post and I have already been there and done that. It is a progression we all endure and in the midst of it all, have to let go.
As many times as I have read the scripture about the girl who was raised from the dead (the 12 year old) our Pastor preached about it yesterday. Not putting it together it is your name. Were you named for her?
Thanks Cathy. I have two months of summer fun before he starts school. So we’ll enjoy it. I’ll probably be a mess on his first day of school.
Yes my mother named me after her. And if I remember correctly my grandmother gave her the suggestion.
This is why parents are to raise their children so as to prepare them for the future. Parents will not always be there to watch over and lead their children. But by training them in the way of the Lord while they are young… when they depart from the house they will be equipped to take the correct path. Great posting and reminder to all parents! Thanks.
wise words indeed…..not only do we need to “train” up a child….but we also need to be able to entrust them to God….I still remember how hard that was when my little girl went to school the first day….(you’ll probably do better than I did) 🙂
Really important post and one of my favorite passages. I feel exactly as you do with my thirteen year old daughter. I am counting on God’s word in this area…
Hi Mark. Entrusting them to God is an excellent way to look at all of those years of training…for parent and child.
It seems like I just walked him into preschool and now he’s going to junior high…I’ll fight back happy tears until he walks into class…and I can’t promise anything after that 🙂
Maybe they should have a special room for us overwhelmed parents on the first day, a place to get it together…a continental breakfast and a complimentary box of tissues.
Hi Warrioress, God’s Word exactly. I’m trying not to overthink his junior high education/experience but to just be involved and aware. Not to be laxed in either area. I remember an earlier post of yours that expressed your strong sentiment. It was insightful.
God bless you and your family.
My oldest son is almost ten, but he’s growing up so fast. I like the scripture you referenced and reminding me it’s about training and trust.
Hi Janna. Yes, training and trust. My oldest son is eleven. I try to grab a hold of hugs and kisses and conversation whenever and wherever.
He’s asking questions left and right about school, God and he’s even asking questions about girls…well more or less how mom and dad began a relationship. I’m thankful that now through the Word of God, prayer, and family influence I’m able to set foundations God continues to set in me.
I too, am but a year from the same… Both my boys will be entering their last year of elementary school in the fall. It will be quite a shift, as I am and have been a middle school teacher for the past fifteen years. As a teacher, it is quite a transformation to watch kids grow from the first year they enter, to the time they leave and head off to high school.
Kids who have been raised in Christian homes with strong moral values, tend to be magnets to others. Their quiet confidence and desire to be kind to others, paves the way for their peers to follow.
Blessings to your Mama heart as you prepare, and prayers of protection and grace for your growing guy. 🙂
Hi Shannon. Thanks for the visit. How wonderful is it that your boys will enter middle school together. I’m thankful for your 15 years as a teacher.
Teacher’s and their positive influence set a standard as well. I’ve thought so since the beginning of our oldest son’s preschool/kindergarten years and our youngest that our involvement with his teacher’s gave him the attitude of teamwork from teacher to parents. That we both cared for his education and his success throughout. I believe your quite right, that children in strong Christian homes have a natural gravity and kindness of God’s love towards others.
Blessings to you and your family also. Continued success to you in your teaching career, I’m sure it speaks volumes in your Christian walk.
This is such a beautiful glimpse into all our hearts. Your writing is exquisite . . .because you are His. It touches us. It brings us to the truth of Jesus with us and His ever present help to us as we train up children. I’m getting a bit teary, thinking back as I have a 25 year old and a 20 year old. Only the 20 year old is my forever child. . .and I can see the blessing in that!
God bless you and yours this summer of fun, memories and influence.
The first day I took my little girl to school, they had to ask me to leave…….a continental breakfast isn’t a bad idea! 🙂
Hi Lady Debbie. Thank you for such a compliment, to God be all the glory. Your poetry speaks to the tenderness of the Father to the Son and Jesus for His Father.
Mother and fatherhood is a blessing…I hope when our children become adults that their father and I have taken their youth and shaped it to look towards Christ in all they do and become.
God bless you and yours, always.
Hi Rob. Thanks for stopping by. I just came across your comment, somehow it ended up in spam. Your thoughts and ministry are blessings.
I’ve nominated you for the Ten Commandments Award. No pressure or anything, but I thought you deserve it. God bless you! http://mylifeuncutalmost.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-and-ten-commandments-awards/
Thanks Anne, it’s an honor and a pleasure to be on the awards list with so many other Christian writer’s.
God bless you.
God bless you too Tahlitha! 🙂
What a blessing Children are! And yet, I don’t want mine to grow up either. God bless you Tahlitha!
Thanks Elissa.
My eldest daughter has just turned 16 and I am so proud to see how well she is making choices at her age that will establish the course of her life. I must now move into support and loose some control, I must now trust that I have raised her with enough Godly principles to steady her feet for the journey ahead. I pray God will cover all the gaps I may have left. I trust her into Him everyday as I have done everyday of her life. Great post!
Thank you Claire. What a wonderful way to move on to view the growth of our children by saying “I must now”. It really doesn’t have to become a tug of war when our children show decision making of their own. Trust, as you mentioned, in Christ will always lead our children to making good decisions, even if it’s not always. We’ve all had those gaps but to God be all the glory.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Congrats mom on the job you continue to do well. Have a great weekend!
What a lovely compliment! Thank you so much 🙂 You too.