Skip to main content

The Crossroads

I’ve reached an awkward stage in life. Actually, what I’ve discovered about parenting-and life- is that every new thing feels awkward and bumpy until you find your footing. This feeling of “having it all together” lasts approximately 15 minutes, and then you are thrown back into mayhem.

For me, parenting is a huge part of my ebb and flow. I’m very aware that this year I will have two teenage sons, one of whom will be graduating high school next year. It’s definitely uncharted territory, and I know I don’t always handle it the best way possible.


In my defense, I have fought for my sons from the moment they were conceived. When Wess tried to arrive at thirty-four weeks and the doctors told me all of the issues he would endure as a premature baby, I knew, by the grace of God, he would thrive. When my pregnancy with Bryson sent me into early labor at nineteen weeks, we did everything medically necessary to sustain his life. Not holding my baby for his first forty-eight hours was gut-wrenching. But he, too, would grow into the amazing young man he is now.


I love my kids. And I love their friends. My husband and I joke that we never know who is going to be staying at our house. I’m okay with being that parent. It’s always been important to us that our kids’ friends feel at home when they are with us. In this strange time of hanging on a little and letting go a lot, I am able to find peace in that I have done my best to show all of them Jesus. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most. I’m savoring the brief moments of togetherness we share now because I recognize how soon it will shift.


Maybe you are in a season of transition like me. Perhaps your transition is having a new baby or getting ready for one. Maybe you are adjusting to life with a parent that you are caring for. Perhaps you are learning to live without someone special in your life. Wherever you are on this journey, I would encourage you to find someone who has lived it. We are called to build one another up, and what matters to us matters to God.


All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬


You see, friend, when we navigate using Christ as our compass, we make the correct turns at every crossroad in life. It may be a road less traveled. It may be off the beaten path. But when God is the guide, His grace will abound and help us along the way.


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Feelings and Faith

Vulnerable moment: it’s been a crazy week. If I’m being honest, the last six months or more have been wrought with uncertainty and so many questions within myself about my purpose.  I’ve been in a season of transition in our family with adapting to having an independent adult child and an independent teenage son-both of whom are thriving. So my purpose as a mom has shifted into steadfast support and guidance from a distance rather than rushing to the rescue, which I know is where we should be with them. This shift has adjusted our marriage. Lyndon and I are both learning how to navigate this new territory, and I’m so grateful we have each other.  My Daddy died suddenly last year, and I am still grieving the unexpected loss and what could have been. Grief is a strange journey and differs for everyone. What I know is Christ gives me the most profound peace when I feel my turbulent heart trying to sway me. But it certainly is a sadness that is layered. Because of these major life...
Post a Comment
Read more

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song.  Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now. Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply. So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the st...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Favorite Things

  With Valentine's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the "stuff" that I really like. Flowers are great, and jewelry is nice. But if you want a friend gift or something a little more unique, here are a few ideas. Perhaps this post will help you shop for the perfect gift that will become a "favorite thing." For the Music Lover If you are purchasing for a musician or vocalist, you have a ton of options including a guitar pick necklace or keyring to tickets for a concert. Even vintage gifts like records have made a strong comeback in the music community. Things to consider when purchasing for your musical genius: what is their favorite genre? Who is their favorite artist? Before buying that album, make sure they don't already have it. For the Teacher I can tell you most assuredly what many teachers DON'T need: another mug. Even though this seems like a simple, cute gift, as a teacher, I have difficulty parting with any gift from students. I have ...
Post a Comment
Read more