A few years ago a friend with grown children commented to me that "it is a beautiful thing to watch a boy turn into a man." My own sons were only about eight and ten years old at the time but she made the comment with such a twinkle of wonder in her eye that I remembered her words. Another observation which stuck with me, this one made by author Douglas Wilson in the introduction to his book "Future Men", is "Boys take a lot of faith". I would say that these two sentiments, mingled together, just about encapsulate all of what I've experienced in raising Active Son to the nearly-on-the-brink-of-manhood age of 15. Yes, it is beautiful(those muscles!) and filled with wonder. And yes, it does take a lot of faith.
Active son fills our lives and home with, well, action. He is moving around a lot of the time and if there is any sort of spherical object lying around, it quickly finds it way into his hands. Those same fidgety fingers play a beautiful Mozart and are often instrumental in helping out around the house and garden. An ordered home is important to this young man!
Now in his first year of high school, Active Son, is working hard to do what it takes to become a good student and active learner. He has joined Oldest Daughter and me for a weekly discussion of the Great Books; today we read this introduction to the poetry of John Donne: "You will rarely find more moving language than “Batter my heart, three person’d God; for, you/As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend . . .”
"The language that moves me," responded Active Son, "is 'Defense!'" I hear that and and I move down the field!
Growing up isn't easy and neither is it easy letting Active Son grow up. I haven't always done a good job of "looking at the present and seeing what it will become, by grace and good works"(Future Men). Just last week Active Son and I were sparring over something so significant I can't even remember what it was. What I remember was my comment to him and his response:
Mom: (half joking/half serious) Oh, grow up!
Active Son:(also half joking/half serious) That's what I'm trying to do!
That brought a knowing smile to both our faces.
Happy Birthday, Active Son. You are a wonderful heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3)
Now in his first year of high school, Active Son, is working hard to do what it takes to become a good student and active learner. He has joined Oldest Daughter and me for a weekly discussion of the Great Books; today we read this introduction to the poetry of John Donne: "You will rarely find more moving language than “Batter my heart, three person’d God; for, you/As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend . . .”
"The language that moves me," responded Active Son, "is 'Defense!'" I hear that and and I move down the field!
Growing up isn't easy and neither is it easy letting Active Son grow up. I haven't always done a good job of "looking at the present and seeing what it will become, by grace and good works"(Future Men). Just last week Active Son and I were sparring over something so significant I can't even remember what it was. What I remember was my comment to him and his response:
Mom: (half joking/half serious) Oh, grow up!
Active Son:(also half joking/half serious) That's what I'm trying to do!
That brought a knowing smile to both our faces.
Happy Birthday, Active Son. You are a wonderful heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3)
2 comments:
All the Wheelers join me in wishing Active Son the most happiest of birthdays.
To the Mom and Dad -- we totally understand. It's great; it's terrifying; it takes faith. You're doing a very fine job.
Love,
Diane for all
The Kunouz family wish Active Son a beautiful year! And, his parents and siblings as well.
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