Photo By Trisha Madrid Photography

Are we really ever ready for the Phoenix process when it comes to our children?  We say the words to each other almost daily, “wow, I can’t believe how quickly they have grown…my, look how big you are getting……they grow up so fast…..just yesterday they were babies.”  MJ will start middle school in the fall, and I have been reminded the past few days about the passage of time and how the Phoenix process allows us to surrender the old and make peace with the new.

This weekend I took MJ and a couple of pals to the mall, and while I genuinely enjoyed watching them giggle and act silly, I observed for the first time, the scowls and careful watch of the store attendees.  Huffy at first, I thought, “wait, you don’t know them.”  But haven’t I also dismissed teenagers as trouble in the mall before?  Ouch.  I looked at this group differently, only because I LOVE them.   So, a teachable moment….we discussed shoplifting and the perception of good behavior over slushies and pretzels and I was left wondering…..am I ready for this?

Next I took her to an introductory meeting of the middle & high school church service that meets on Sunday nights, sans parents.  Memories rushed back from the days of attending church with friends as tweens and teenagers….and I thought about how difficult it is to let go.  Once upon a time, every single decision regarding the children rested on hubby and my shoulders, supported with great advice from family and friends.  And just as we give up some control  as they walk into those school doors for the first time, we must recommit to the process….at a deeper level…..when they go on to the next stage.  Again and again until, there is no more control, just love.  Is it any wonder that many of us recognize the control/love as the real deal and fight against the final result.  Why? Fear.  Did we do it right, did we do enough, can they make the right choice every time?  The answer will NEVER be yes, and that is scary.  Surrender is the answer once again.  Gratitude and surrender…always the answer….but so difficult in learning.