I always thought when your children grew older you worry less. Boy was I wrong! Seems that as they have grown I've worried more. I know we are not suppose to worry. Matthew 6:34 says "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. " But yet I worry...I think that is one of the job descriptions of a mother.
My worry with my children began before they were born. While pregnant with my first son, I dreamt that I just walked out and left him. (Why in the world would I do that?) For me, that is a nightmare. With my second son, my alphafetaprotein (I spelled that wrong I know) level was high and I was told to make a choice as to whether to terminate the pregnancy.
My children were healthy growing up...just the usual childhood illnesses and scrapes and bruises. But you still worry when their temperature is high or they don't sleep. I remember my son's pediatrician's nurse saying N had "pretty knees". Pretty knees? They had scabs on them! She told me that the scabs meant he was getting out and playing! (I'm glad he had pretty knees.)
As they grew, I worried about the friends they chose to run around with. Fortunately, they made good choices. Both continue to communicate with a couple of their high school friends.
And dating? Well, I worry that they aren't dating! They both are leading unsettled lives right now that serious dating is out of the question. C was seeing someone in high school which I worry that I broke up. One day I told him to be careful about getting serious (I felt like they were). She was graduating h.s. early and going to another country on a mission trip then to Pennsylvania for college. The next thing I know, they aren't seeing each other. (Did I do that?)
I worry about their happiness. Are they happy with the paths they have chosen? N is right now on the disable list due to having surgery for a torn lateral meniscus. He is out for 4 - 6 weeks. When C decided to commit to the Army, we asked if he was sure. He said, "Is anyone every really sure about the choices they make?" (Yes, Army. So soon I'll have something else to worry about.)
But maybe worrying is good. When I start to worry too much, I turn to prayer. God told those of us who are heavily burdened to turn to Him and He will carry the yoke. So I pray...for my children...like a mother.
To all you ladies: Happy Mother's Day!
I could have written a lot of this..just change a few details here and there...I love what you said at the end though. Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteI could have written this too...I discovered....when they go to college you worry...cause they are out of your sight...and even after they marry....you still have worry moments...because they are no longer your responsibility. God has really had to work with me on this one. I had to just give up the worries too...God allowed me to lay them on Him....PTL!
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day....I think that not dating might be a good thing in this 21st century world. Until you're ready, I think steering away from dating could be a positive choice...Peace!
ReplyDeleteA mom never stops worrying, does she? Thanks for commenting on my blog. Those East Tennessee mountains are definitely where my heart is at.
ReplyDeleteTina...I don't have kids, but I have cats, and I worry about them as though I'd born the litter myself.
ReplyDeleteMy mom passed down the worry gene, and it got so bad, I had to write a book about it...which actually helped me. But I'm a work-in-progress and still worry.
The book might help you....It's called The Worrywart's Prayer Book....I also have a blog called the Worrywart's Corner. These keep worry front and center in my life, and help me remember God's in charge.
Happy Mother's Day....