I hate to admit it, but I’ve reached a new high in being made to feel old. Believe it or not, this weekend Kristin and Shawn were home to attend her 10-year high school reunion. If I’m not mistaken, this new milestone is even making her feel older. Maybe I should tell her to try being the parents of someone who’s been out of high school for 10 years, though. Now that’s old :)
Not only has this event made me feel every bit of my 50+ years, it’s made me feel nostalgic, too. Yesterday morning before Kristin and Shawn took off for their first reunion activity, we started talking about things like trouble with lockers and the first day of high school. Before we knew it, it felt like the first day of school. I was snapping pictures of Kristin while she tried to speed Shawn along with hurried pleas of “Come on, Shawn! The tour starts in five minutes — I don’t want to be late!” I caught a glimpse of that little girl nervousness on her face that I’ve seen so many times over the years. There she was — my little girl headed off to school once again.
I’ll spare you a detailed walk down my memory lane, but you can imagine how a milestone event like this in my daughter’s life triggered memories of other big moments we’ve witnessed and shared with her. You’ve probably experienced most of them with your kids, too. Their first steps, first days of school, the dreaded driver’s license that we eventually discover spells freedom for us, graduations, watching them leave home, landing that first big job, and finally giving them up to the love of their lives to start a new family… Anyone sighing with me about now? Our kids may get older, but they never outgrow our love, do they?
This crazy, deep, devoted love that parents have for their children — where does it come from? My guess is from the Author of love Himself, also a devoted Father. God has told us, “‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters…'” (2 Corinthians 6:18). I love the fact that God is my Father, that He loves me even more than I love my daughters. On one hand, that’s hard to imagine because I know how deeply I love them. On the other, I know He is God and loves me with a depth I can’t even comprehend.
I don’t know if God ever feels older as He watches His children grow older, but I bet He feels nostalgic at times. I’m sure He recalls with love the milestones and the “firsts” in our lives — and He probably has a few more on His list than we do. Chances are, as He thinks of us, He looks back and breathes a sigh as He remembers the day we gave Him our hearts and began calling Him Lord and Savior, or maybe He recalls the first time we trusted Him to provide for us or the first time we placed our future in His hands. And don’t you think he loves to remember the times we started sharing our faith with others or serving “the least of these”?
What are you feeling nostalgic about today? Go ahead and give in to it for a few minutes. You’ll be in good company.
“I remember the days of long ago…” Psalm 143:5a
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We both had walks down nostalgia lane over the weekend. I walked the walk at my parents’ anniversary party. Have a blessed week.
Yesterday, a lady visited our church for the first time, along with her 11-month-old daughter! As I watched that sweet baby girl, I couldn’t help but wonder where the time has gone since my baby girl was really a baby. She is 11 now, and I love the person she has become. But I sure do miss that little bundle that I carried everywhere on my hip!
A beautiful daughter you have! I’m not there yet (my oldest is a sophomore in college and my youngest is 6), but we’ve lived long enough to create memories enough to fill a book.
This past weekend, my son (19) helped me start a facebook account (as if I needed another “thing” to do right now). He “invited” me to be his friend on his account (whatever that means), and I wrote back…
“can we do that…be friends?”
A wonderful feeling. Being a mom and a friend at the same time and having a son who was willing to be identified with his mother on facebook! What a kid. What life.
peace~elaine
Annette, Renae, and Elaine, what a range of memories you’ve shared. I can actually identify with each stage of life you’ve mentioned.
Elaine, I’ve been thinking of starting a facebook account. After reading about you and your son, I want to even more now so I can “be friends” on my daughters’ accounts! That sounds like fun :) It’s so great when they reach the age when friendship with them becomes a reality! And by the way, thanks for the compliment on my daughter! You’re right, she IS beautiful — and in more ways than one. I’m a lucky mom!
What an interesting thought, does God feel older as His children grow up. Never thought of that one. Perhaps He just feels more eternal.
Great insight. Thanks for sharing.