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Growing pains
By Christina Quick | February 4, 2008
There she was, her little face all aglow, taking three wobbly baby steps. Even as I cheered and held out my arms, I couldn’t help but think how each new step would take her farther from my embrace.
I’ve noticed parenting is like that. Holding on and letting go. I prayed that when the time came, I would let her run full speed.
Now she is 9 and taking more big steps toward independence. “When I grow up, I’m going to be a marine biologist and save the manatees,” she tells me earnestly. Later in the day, as we snuggle with a book, she whispers, “I don’t want to grow up because then I’ll be too big to sit on your lap.”
I’ve noticed childhood is like that. Looking ahead and pausing to glance back. I pray that when the time comes, she will know Your plan and find her stride.
“It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms…” (Hosea 11:3).
Topics: Parenting |
