Three times in three weeks, I have bit. it.
As in I crash landed so hard on my backside, it made my teeth shake. Three times.
One fall happened after I leaned on a stool too far left. The other two occurred when I was simply walking – nothing tricky. But apparently for me, walking is tricky.
Sometimes, the tumbles trickiest to recover from are those that follow a new beginning. Of course, a new beginning can soar on wings of glorious success. But sometimes it takes off and crashes, and you are left flat out laid out. And when that happens to me, I want to tear out of town and scurry my red-faced self off to safety rather than shake the embarrassment off my skin and out of my hair.
I am learning just how much courage it takes to trust the process of trying again. Would you join me over here to share what you know about new beginnings, too? And if your new beginning has (literally or figuratively) knocked you on your backside, I offer a special prayer at (in)courage just for you.
The current new beginning that glares neon bright in our family has been our oldest children (twin sons) beginning high school. My friend Stacey Thacker (wonderful writer of her own blog and creator of the Mothers of Daughters blog) is mama to four daughters, and her oldest child started high school as well. While we were both in Dallas for the Declare Conference, we thought it would be fun to get together and talk about this whole high school business. Specifically, about our mama fears and struggles with this parenting stage, as well as how we stay connected with our older kids. (Subscribers: click here to watch video.)
(One note: in the video, I didn’t give the correct title of the book my husband is working through with our boys. The title is actually called Preparing Your Son for Every Man’s Battle: Honest Conversations About Sexual Integrity by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. Here is the link to the corresponding book for daughters, too.)
(A second note: this is my first ever video recording of this nature. This is Stacey’s 384th (give or take a few). It won’t take you long to figure out which of us is the knows-what-she’s-doing, professional one.)
I’d love to know: what new beginnings find you in this season?
First of all, you two are cute and sweet! 🙂
I sent BOTH of my babies to high school last week–a freshman and a senior. I won’t lie–it was a hard day.
I’m going to share my Secret Weapon for high school kids: brownies. Bake them when your kids bring friends home–and please try to say yes whenever possible–and the kids will feel loved and safe and they will talk to you and think you’re cool. I do this not for the “feeling cool” but for the chance to get to know my girls’ friends. So stock the pantry with a few mixes you can throw in the oven whenever, keep on the listening ears, and you’ll be all set.
The secret power of brownies…I love it! Stocking up now!
Yes! Teens + sweet treats = hero parent.
Although…I haven’t done brownies in a while. I shall remember this!
By the way you are totally awesome on this video. I see a pro I tell you. Many more to come – we have 4 years by golly!
xo,
stacey
I always kept plenty of good food around the house at all times. I was a single mom and extra food in the budget was difficult at times. But, food always gives the children and friends an opportunity to sit and have a conversation with you.
Secondly, my daughter was in public school. She has darling friends but from time to time there were some strange kids that would come over – the ones you know they don’t need to be with. But the were welcomed and fed and included in the conversation.
One of those girls began to call me mom. We spoke love to her and her brother. We told of Christ and we lived the love of Christ. Eventually, their lives changed after many bad choices. And, to this day they come to see me and give me hugs when they first see me.
You just never know how God will use you, food and a cluttered kitchen table.
Beautiful, Diane. Really beautiful. xo
My new beginning, the one I want, is a different/better job in completely different department or company and one with better hours for my hubby.
This year has been new beginnings for my family. My dad moved into assisted living after being widowed & on his own for 5 years. It took a lot of adjustment for him. He finally has realized that this is where he needs to be and is content about it.