Children

I am extremely fortunate.  I have several “kids” that continue to blossom and grow up and beyond someone who has been lucky enough to have a make a small contribution or two along the way.  Two I have watched, nurtured, and dialogued with since birth.  As they approach and go through new gateways in life, I find myself excited, fearful, and most of all feeling humbled and gray.  My fortune extends beyond the girls to a select number of adults that have given me permission to be part of their lives.  On every occasion we meet, I find myself bubbling over with pride.  These are great men and women.  They are God’s kids, out there doing the stuff.  I have had the opportunity to be part of the ride and it feels great!
I remember the first days with kids as being exciting, wonderful, and filled with awe and beauty.  Everything was possible!  Anything could, and I was sure would, happen!  Yet for the first few days, weeks, nothing did.  They needed help, attention, and more help.  I do not remember ever feeling resentful.  The gift of relationship is a special reward in and of itself that is priceless.  As the potential emerges, I find myself excited for them.  It is happening, the vision is unfolding!  They are stepping out in ways they may not have imagined but truly want for themselves.  Even when I have my doubts, the process is a wonderful thing to witness.
I have come to appreciate the process and the result.  God created a potential within that often remains untapped.  When God teams up with our endorsement, wonderful things emerge.  I find myself cheering, even in moment of pain and despair.  I find myself hopeful, even when life is at its worst.  I find myself willing to give, even when there is little left in reserve.  I can hear myself cheering God’s exclamation; “Just watch my servant blossom!  Exalted, tall, head and shoulders above the crowd!”  (Isaiah 52.13)  And in that moment I remember, I am one of God’s kids to.