Sunday, March 21, 2010

don't give up!

dear emily,

i was sinking into thicker, deeper mud, reaching for the shiny
bell around my grandma's neck, when the phone awakened me.
at 12:30 in the morning that is never a good sign.

"mrs. h.?  this is officer jones from the 'xyz' police department,
and i have your son, max, with me."

"mrs. h.?"

my voice was trying to find its way around the immense wad
of cotton in my throat.

i finally choked out, "is he ok?"

"yes, ma'am, but he was driving after juvenile curfew hours.
what would you like me to do with him?"

hmm,  i was tempted to say, "how about hog tie him to the
back of your car and drag him through the stock yards!"

this is how we began max's senior year.  he was supposed to
have been at his all-night senior retreat.  i was reminded of his
ornery three year old days, when i used  to say, "if you weren't
so cute, i would strangle you!"

as we helped him pilot through the rest of his senior year, we
often wondered if he even heard our morning devotions or
repetitive encouragements.  he sort of raced in and flew out.
one thing we never doubted, though, was his heart.

by the end of the year, he was encouraging his all state track
team at their pre-race pep talk.  after hearing from so many
coaches and parents about it, i asked him what in the world
he had said.

"oh, i just told 'em what dad said at family devotions that
morning."

miracles never cease.  don't give up or "become weary in
doing good."  galatians 6:9

love,
lea

38 comments:

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Boy, isn't that the truth! Never give up and then YIKES! I am always so amazed and surprised when God's answers come. This was beautiful.

Sonja

P.S. I just saw the dolphin posting... what a ball!

Jenners said...

I've found that often when my son seems not to be listening, he is actually taking it all in. It is surprising and heart-warming actually.

Anonymous said...

ahhh, sweet Max. Never a sweeter, big hearted guy. The apple never falls far from the tree. :)A

an encourager said...

Oh!!!!!!!!!!!! I love that encouragement! It's true, too, isn't it? I have many young friends, and I share the same things, having been through it all with my kids, who are now grown, and oh so wonderful! thanks!!! Thanks for stopping by my blog. It was fun 'seeing' you! :)

myletterstoemily said...

annie,

you're just the sweetest friend!

bbb said...

thanks for bringing max into this world.
all "4" of my boys thank you too!

Vickie said...

I'm so there with you on that one. My daughter just told me this evening that she was able to witness to a complete stranger, a lady on her plane trip home from a mission trip to Canada (which was another miracle itself that she went). My husband and I were reduced to tears when she told us.

Doesn't it feel so good when all that teaching finally pays off and you hear all the things that you taught them coming of their mouths? You think it goes in one ear and out the other! God is so Good!!!

And a little "wicked good fun" never hurt anything - specially with dead gophers!!! Very cute comment!

RA said...

Very touching moment! It is beautiful to witness wisdom blossom in our children. Have a wonderful week.

Unknown said...

That is so encouraging, I really needed to read that. I have been having a lot of moments lately wondering whether my son is taking anything in!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comment. xx

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Lea - this further proves my theory that if you throw enough at them, something is bound to stick.

I had my doubts as to whether my kids paid any attention when they were growing up....to this day, every once in a while they say something that is an exact quote of something I said in the past.....and my heart goes pitty-pat!

Joan Elizabeth said...

It's been my turn to be away for a few days. As always it has been a joy to come an read your heart warming stories.

Becca said...

Oh, what a sweet idea for a blog you have! I love this. I am the oldest of 5 siblings and daughter to 2 amazing parents, so I tend to hold mommas of 5 on a bit of a pedestal :)

Wonderful post. Reminds me of one of my little brothers, growing up. All 3 are have turned into amazing men, husbands, and fathers. I am so thankful for their presence in my life.

Cheri Bunch said...

So often we sow in tears later reaping with singing! Love this story! Can relate ... Thanks for the smiles!

Blessings,
Cheri

Susan B said...

A lovely, encouraging post! I've enjoyed reading your through your blog. Thank you for stopping by my blog, and your sweet comment.

Have a wonderful day!

Anita Diaz said...

Yes, I am reminded with my three to never give up. It is really hard as they head into the "tween" years though. THanks for stopping by!! I would love to see your coffee table...might give me some ideas!

Deborah Ann said...

Aw Lea, you have me laughing and crying all at once! There are many days I am tempted to strangle my kids...

Patrinas Pencil said...

I read your comment on Sonja's place this morning and decided I needed to meet this piano player :) My mama played the piano. I grew up singing around her piano as a family...

I like your format here for your place. It's a lovely idea and wel needed for those younger moms. I'm a grammy now of 4. But I can see that your posts will bring back lovely and some not so lovely memories.. thanks for sharing. I was reminded of my own high school senior this morning - when you shared your story. I an laugh about it now - thankfully the Lord got us both through that stage!!

I have joined your place today and look forward to reading MORE.

God Bless you, Lea

Patrina <")>><
His watchman on the wall

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

Hello, I too have a senior boy at home. I just keep praying and trying to keep faith that what we have taught him is planted deep down inside his heart!
Also, thank you for you commenting on my apron post. The fabric that I used is vintage fabric that I found. Aren't they fun? There is just something special about old things...
Have a wonderful day,
Joyce
I Love Pretty Little Things

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Lea:

I have to add a P.S. to what you left as a comment on my page. R.B.Graham was one of my heroes as well, and I absolutely love her. I have always been moved by what she wrote and how she lived her life....Our families were good friends, and Billy phoned my dad and met to pray with him before his first crusade in Los Angeles. Our families always were always similar as we grew up. Both dads were ministers who traveled all over the world, and both moms stayed home and raised the kids.

Anyway, enough on that... get back to the piano!! :)

I have a hunch we are kindred spirits!

Sonja

Vee said...

Raising boys can sure get exciting. I remember it well. Thanks for another wonderful post and I am so thankful that your son was listening all along.

Morgane said...

Thanks for stopping at my blog : it's always nice to have new visitors ! Yours is great !
ps : and thanks to think i could be 25 years old , alas i'm a bit older ...

jamjar said...

Hi...nice to meet you. I just did a little catching up on Emily's letter and I must say they are delightful! I too have an empty nest and our "about me" pages have many similiarites...praying, reading, laughing...
Thanks for encouraging me, also!
Jammie

Patrinas Pencil said...

About your blog posting stuck on November....on my sidebar:

I am certain that it hinders readers. If your current post isn't in front of me on my sidebar, I won't know when you've updated. Blogger Helps might be able to help you with this. There may be a Q & A forum that can address your problem too. I think it's sad that that is happening :(

If I find a spot that can help you, I'll let you know.

Patrina <")>><
His watchman on the wall

More Than Words said...

Oh, that is awesome!!! They DO listen! Plus, Gods Word does not return void. Praise God for that!

carissa said...

beautiful! things actually sink in! praise the Lord! i need to remember this when i have teenagers.

Sewn With Grace said...

Brought me to tears today. Thank you for sharing. Be blessed!

Darcie said...

You could have never posted anything so true. I found out recently just how much they do listen. Love the title of the post too...one thing we as parents need to be reminded of often...never give up.

Vee said...

(It was so exciting to see your blog updating on my blogroll this morning that I had to come tell you! Yay!)

Laura said...

I imagine it must be those moments that a parent lives for...

Southern Lady said...

I needed that today. Sometimes I wonder if my daughters listen to any thing that I say. Carla

JMW said...

I needed to hear this today. I was having a trying morning with the kids, getting them ready for preschool this morning. Thanks!

Jackie said...

Thank you for your wisdom. My oldest is 9 and I hope he "hears" it too. Sometimes I wonder. I know it only gets more challenging but stories like this encourage me.

Thank you!

Jackie

Mountain Mama said...

Kissing the dolphins! I am so jealous. Looks like you had a wonderful time.

Always amazes me what my children "actually" hear.

Yay Max! Yay God!!
blessings,
ashley

Single and Sane said...

I checked for your updates regularly anyway, but I'm very excited that they're automatically updating on my blogroll again! Woohoo!

Melissa Miller said...

Thank you for your kind visit. ~Happy Spring!~ :)

Rebecca Nelson said...

I felt like giving up soooo many times with my oldest child. He was a handful and at 20 made a very unwise decision for his young life. That choice catapulted him into the military (Air Force) for three years... Dashed were his plans for University for a time.

I was at a loss as to what to do or think. I could only pray.

The years flew by. Then, one Spring morning he called and said "Mom...I've decided not to re-up. I've landed a job back in OKCity and I'm coming home". Newly out of school he landed a job at the very University he was wanting to attend.

I was in shock. Totally blindsided by the simple fact that God had heard ALL the prayer I'd prayed over the previous 23 years. They were answered in His time.

One recent Sunday while singing in church our son turned to me and said "Oh Mom! I remember you teaching Adrie and I this song when I was 10".

WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....

Don't Give Up is right!

Love to you~Rebecca

Megan said...

This was so reassuring Lea!

What a blessing to hear as a semi-new parent.

Thanks so much!!

Lynn said...

Sweet, sweet post. I love that Galatians verse -- one of the best around for busy, sometimes weary moms :)