Double Digits

August 5th . . . today my oldest son, Ashton, turns ten. Double digits. The big 1 - 0. He’s been so excited about this special day because it officially enters him into the phase of life known as the “tweens.” Just to mark the occasion, we made a trip to Abercrombie so he could spend his birthday money on the latest tween fashions. I have to admit they look handsome on him. His entrance to the “tweens” phase enters me into a new phase of life, but I’m not sure they have a name for it yet. Perhaps it should be called the “pre-awkward” phase? Or the “oh no, the teen phase is coming!” phase? Or the “I don’t have much time left” phase? I do lean toward the last choice of names. The reality that more than half of his time at home with us is over doesn’t settle well with my heart. I love that boy! He is a smart young man with a generous and loving heart. He loves children (which makes me happy!) and is always willing to help in every situation. He looks and acts so much like his Dad that I always have to claim my share of his DNA - his bright blue-eyes and his shaggy curls. Both of those will benefit him greatly in his “dating” phase. He’ll be gone before we know it. This new phase causes me to reflect on what practical life skills we still need to teach him. We covered the grass cutting skill this summer - he’s not too crazy about it, but I think it’s more of the oppressive heat than disliking the chore. He’ll take out the trash when reminded. Guess it’s a gender thing. No seriously . . . I thought back to my college days when I left the nest and discovered my independence. Was I really ready for it? It was a freeing experience but a daunting one at the same time. Being an only child didn’t allow for much practice with sharing . . . so that was a practical life skill I was forced to acquire. I’m still not too good at sharing my things! I thought awhile about what skills were helpful to me at that age. I thought about what new skills did I need when I got married. I didn’t make a list of all these skills (I know you don’t believe me Mom), but it put a fire under me since my time with him is drawing short. I want to make sure he knows how to wash his own clothes, to cook a simple meal, to manage his money wisely and to clean up after himself. He’d tell you he’s got it all covered, but I think a couple of years of more practice will help him immensely. Thankfully, he and his brother both have the manner thing covered. There are so many skills about interacting with people that he’s observed in our lives that I hope he will carry with him. I guess the most important life skill I want him to have is not about a what but a who. I pray all the time for Ashton and Palmer to know Jesus. Without Him, their lives will be full of unneccesary struggles and heartache. It’s one thing to call on Jesus as Savior and a totally different thing to live life with and for Him. I know it’s possible. I have to leave that tall order in God’s hands. Many of you have completely raised your kids and it helps to know you’ve successfully made it through it alive. I’d love any advice from those of you who’ve been there, done that. Send it on! Until next month . . . much love, Melony