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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Willingness (02/21/05)
Our only son is a few days away from turning sixteen. Only by the grace of God do my husband and I feel like we may have done right by him as parents. He is a wonderful young man, gracious, courteous, helpful and a pure joy to be around. He has never required measures of harsh discipline. He knows right from wrong and is eager to gain the independence that turning sixteen brings.

As his parents, we have always tried to instill in him the importance of faith and trusting God in his everyday life. Over the past several months I have noticed that he has not been as open about his walk with God. He has become more reserve in that aspect-not so ready to openly profess his faith to me as I have tried to initiate some sort of proof for my own satisfaction that he has not strayed away.

I have failed to take into account that he is at an age where he may not choose to express his feelings and emotions as he did when he was younger. And yet, by his attitude and behavior, I know in my heart that God is still teaching and guiding him throughout his everyday life. I have learned that I cannot force my beliefs upon him however “righteous” they may seem to be. For that kind of “righteousness” only comes from pride and pride comes from sin. That in it self will cause damage and strife to any relationship. How foolish was I to believe more in my own influence on him rather than the influence of trusting God as his Savior has been in his life.

Today, after listening to much needed lesson on pride and humility, I learned that I must have the willingness to ‘step back so God can step in’. For the past sixteen years we have taught our son the only way we knew how-through love and wisdom. We know that he will carry with him that which he has learned thus far. God has a very special place in his heart and he has learned the importance and power of prayer.

Our son is at a right of passage in his life. Turning sixteen now affords him the opportunity of driving himself to school and the chance of having a summer job. He is an ambitious teenager and has longed to be of age when he would be able to work during the summer and save up for college.

I felt our time for doing things together was somewhat coming to an end mostly because he will no longer have to rely on us to take him where he needs to go. For some reason it was important for me to once again be reassured of his relationship with Christ. God provided me the perfect opportunity to discuss what was on my mind with our son. His willingness to talk with me about God did, once and for all, put my mind at peace. He reassured me that although he doesn’t openly talk about God right now that God is very important in his life and that he continues to pray every day. He understood what it meant to stay on the right path of life-that making wrong choices and decisions will deter him from the life God has planned for him.

Now maybe, after all these years, I’m ready for him to turn sixteen.
I’m stepping back so God can step in.
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This article has been read 876 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynne Gaunt
03/01/05
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and concerns about your teenaged son. I have teenagers myself and know how hard it is to let go. But God is faithful and He'll watch over your son. Just keep praying! God bless.
Kate Maddox
03/01/05
That is a heart-warming story. Thank you for sharing it. I have pre-teens, and your story gives me hope that one day, I too may be willing to let go and let God!
donna robinson
03/04/05
What I liked about this article besides the fact your love and hope shone brillantly throughout, was the fact that you realized that cornering him was not the way to go. I like the way you gave the reader an alternative, a spirit of trust between you, God and your son.
Excellent and heartwarming read
Sally Hanan
03/07/05
This is refreshing and definitely encourages one to let go.