Although a bit off the regular subject, I have found myself a bit frustrated lately with my high schooler and high schoolers in general, especially those around 15 or so.
It seems like sometimes aliens inhabit our once responsible teens and replace them with someone who can walk past piles of dirty clothes on the floor, dirty dishes on their desk, unfinished homework and normally routine chores. All of a sudden it seems like the things that we have worked so hard to instill in them, as far as good habits goes, disappear for a time.
Now, I know that this too shall pass. I've been through it twice before and I've also worked with dozens of teens who have passed through this age and they AND their parents have lived to tell about it and those kids are now very productive and godly individuals. However, it doesn't SEEM like this phase will ever end when you are in the middle of it. I do have to admit to you that I think part of my frustration is that I let down the standard a bit during this time. That seems especially true during this time around. I feel more tired the third time through this phase and so I'm finding myself not holding the standard as high for my high schooler or for me. So, we end up in a vicious cycle. I lower my expectations......and the standard slips lower....so I lower my expectations....and the standards slips lower.
Now, I do believe in grace at certain times and phases of life. However, I also know that we get what we expect and INSPECT when it comes to our children. SO, instead of letting down, the past few days, we've had some heart to hearts about doing "all" things to the best of our potential for God's honor and glory. We've discussed the future and how we are setting ourselves up for success or failure by the character we show now.
And all the while, I've been realizing that someone needs to talk to me about the same thing. I've lowered my expectations of myself lately. . .kind of let myself off the hook and it is time to "man up" so to speak and "run the race" well. Thus, I find myself not only needing to set and keep the standard with my high schooler, but also needing to set the example.
Faith and Courage,
Lori Lane
Lori is married to the love of her life John and together they have four sons ranging in age from 23 down to 10. She is the author of “Beginning With The End In Mind”, a frequent speaker on home education, family and the arts, as well as serving as the Executive Director of The Artios Academies. (www.artiosacademies.com) You can see some of the pictures of their home in the central Colorado Rockies by visiting Lori’s website at www.theendinmind.net where you will receive encouragement for the journey.
