Transition Lenses

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Corinthians 13:12

Do you remember the commercials for the newest groundbreaking advancement in optometry? Do you remember the lady that would approach a sliding glass door without fear, open that door, and boldly walk outside because her glasses were secretly tinted. Her Transitions Lenses were eyeglasses would automatically convert to sunglasses when she stepped into bright light. Those glasses were amazing and brand, spanking new.

I need some transition lenses right about now. Literally right now. I can't find my prescription reading glasses at the moment and am tempted to turn on some lamps and type this entry in my prescription sunglasses. Our family life is always shifting and progressing. My current transitions include:

Transition #1- Independent Firstborn 
Our oldest daughter is a new driver. She is a great driver. She is responsible, communicative, and respectful. This season is still hard. I wanted to write a book about driving and dating daughters, a simple handbook about high school through my maternal eyes. The Lord cautioned me to wait until after this season to write the book on this season. Fair enough. Message received. I am living this. I am taking notes. I have another daughter following behind in 4.5 years.

Speaking of the other daughter. . .

Transition #2-  Living in the Middle
Our middle child is starting middle school. She is in the middle of our love, in the middle of her education, and in the middle of our business. We need to be ready to answer when she asks a question. Good news: she is also in the middle of a growing personal relationship with Her Savior. Whatever emotion, acclimation or rejection that she faces, God is willing and able to guide her through it. 
My prayer requests for our middle schooler:
1. That she will have one focus: pleasing God.
2. That she will have two feet planted on the solid foundation of the One who created her. 
3. For her to know that we will be there for her before she can count to three. 

Transition #3- Life in my 40s
I am looking back and looking ahead more than ever now. I struggle to stay here in the moment. I take pictures, so that I won't forget these moments. But days and weeks are flying by so fast. I can't slow it down. I can and do slow down and relax better than I used to, but the kids are not slowing down. Their struggles and accomplishments are all milestones. Milestones happen everyday around here. Everything is a big deal to someone. Late night relationship analysis with the girls and early morning introspection with the boy keep me alert and exhausted. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this summer. I am thankful everyday for the prayerful choice of a mate that I made as a bright eyed 20 year old. I do give some credit to the Psych class that I took called "Mate Selection." That was money well spent. I am also thankful for the choices that my husband of 20 years makes on a daily basis to pursue God's best for this clan. 

Speaking of the son. . .

Transition #4- Bringing Up Boy 
Our youngest is our only son, so everything he does is a first time experience for us. He has been influenced by his sisters. He can articulate his feelings very well. He tags along to other people's activities more than he would like. He is a great kid, but he is not a daughter. I know the Word of God is filled with wisdom for us as his parents, but we often pray for immediate, in the trenches, help when he faces hurts or disappointment in such a unique way from his sisters. This is probably the best time to confess that I never finished James Dobson's book, Bringing Up Boys. I started the book when I was pregnant with the little guy, started weeping, and never finished reading it. Could someone tell me how it ends?

Look at the time. Time to transition to a new school year. . . Good bye for now.