Seasons of Life

We spent a week with "the kids" and their own kids, and we wonder where the time has gone. It's both a joy and a sadness when the grown children become self-sufficient and in charge of their own time and space. Sometimes it's frustrating, too:). But that goes with the territory. Sometimes things go awry - again, part of the growing process of stepping back and letting life go on. And sometimes you experience such a sense of accomplishment that everyone made it this far, in spite of yourself. I think all parents go through this, at least the ones I talk to.

Generationally, it's interesting to watch parenting styles emerge. Discipline and rewards...all part of raising children. And spending quality time doing what is important to raise your children to be independent thinkers and problem solvers. Personally, we think it very important for children to spend time outdoors, learning to appreciate nature. Did our children want to participate in this philosophy while we were raising them? Not particularly. But that didn't stop us from at least arranging opportunity - such as occasional camping trips and time fishing. We also encouraged summer camps and scouting.
Our own children are a mixed bag of appreciation. This week we spent time with two who have differing ideas on that "nature" piece. Both appreciate nature, but one is much more proactive about outdoor play time - both as a family and as individuals. My son and his wife have the good fortune to have access to a mountain cabin, with close proximity to many outdoor activities. My daughter, on the other hand, participates willingly but is more a "city kid."

How does this happen, when both are raised the same way? So interesting. Her kids go outside and play, don't get me wrong, but a trip to New York City is more up her alley, and her son already talks about going. He enjoyed fishing and playing in the woods, and even get dirty (which he really doesn't like very well). We laughed as he learned to play with his cousin, very much an outdoor, all-American boy. What fun it's been to see our own dreams for our kids come to life.

So funny that this granddaughter has the same aversion to grass that her mother did!

So now we head home, enjoying road-tripping across the country. As we build adult relationships with our children we keep in mind some very important advice:

Faith, hope and love...and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Have a blessed day.