Times of transition

There are many times of transition in our lives and it is time for me to face another one. My older son has passed his driving test and seems all confident to take to the roads himself! Sounds quite ordinary for parents of young people but it is not without some doubt and hesitation for parents. Maybe I'm a bit more cautious about things. I remember that as the older child in my own family, I was the one who had to go through many 'firsts' and so had a harder time of it, as my parents had no prior experience to look back on. I think my brother had an easier time when it came to his turn to exert his independence. So being our 'first' experience, I guess we will have to really seek God's wisdom and grace.

Of course I now face certain 'pressures' as well - he has been hinting, quite 'clearly' of course, that it would be good to have a CD player in the car. This is an issue that will have to be negotiated as I have had no need of one all this while! There are also issues of use of the car, as he has a friend he might want give a lift to tuition on a regular basis - that friend will pay the petrol cost.....but these are all issues that I never anticipated and am facing for the first time!

It is not easy for us a parents to make these decisions because some of these things are longer term issues than just a one off thing. So there is going to be much negotiation and understanding from each side - because as it is, he seems to believe that his requests should all be granted as they are 'entirely reasonable'! I guess that's the challenge and growth that comes with having growing, yet not so grown children.........

Sometimes, I wish I could get through all these times once and for all. But I will have to accept that they will recur.....and these are 'transition' times that are also invitations, by God's grace for new growth.