Life isn't the same for me now that I have a house of teenagers and tweens. The activity level has escalated. My husband I seem to always be driving someone somewhere and negotiating times for pick-up. Or, we hang around waiting for the phone call, our own lives temporarily put on hold. Sometimes we find the changes frustrating, and yet at the same time we're thankful that our kids are energetic, outgoing and finding their individual interests.

The amount of food consumed in a week has skyrocketed to an astronomical amount.  One of the kids always seems to be hungry. They snack frequently during the day and yet still manage to inhale large amounts at meal times. While I used to have regimented meal times, now I find that with all the coming and going, and the varied likes and dislikes I'm better off allowing the kids to make their own breakfasts and lunches.  (Supper is still the one meal that I cook and that we eat together.) And, they seem to enjoy the freedom to choose their menus for the day.

As the kids grow older I realize how important freedom is to them, and I also realize the importance of letting them go - as difficult as that is. The release process is gradual, more freedom given as they show maturity and the need to stand on their own.  I've been spurred on by the racing clock to encourage them to seek their own relationship with God, too. I can't spoon-feed them forever and then suddenly expect them to know how to forage for their own spiritual nourishment.  More and more I'm having them seek answers from God for themselves through prayer and Bible reading.  I'm always available for a discussion, but they need to be reaching their own conclusions and developing a faith that is there own, not mine.