And Then They were Adults!

Moms of Adults

It hits at the weirdest moments. It clutches your heart and tugs hard. Just when you think you have moved past that stage of life.

That stage where your little baby smiles at you for the first time and your heart feels like it will burst. That stage where your toddler completes a full sentence. That stage where your child stands on the stage picking his nose during the Christmas concert and your heart is full – and slightly embarrassed! That stage where your young twin girls want to wear the same dress for that special event and it is incredibly cute. That stage where your son confides in you about his first love. That stage where your son lives through losing his spleen and thanks you for staying with him in the hospital.

All those amazing stages of life that your children walk through on their approach to adulthood. Those precious moments where words can’t describe that incredible love you feel for them – it twists in your stomach and makes you gulp for air. It is so incredibly powerful that sometimes it physically hurts; in a good way.

You recognize that those cute little years must come to an end – those little firsts; smiles, words, steps. So many people talk about their adult children as, well, adults. And they are and that is so fantastic because I couldn’t imagine still changing diapers!

But then it happens. That 6’5 strapping dark haired young man, your son, helps your husband with building a deck. He is joined by your older, shorter and blonde son. Both working side by side with your husband. Your daughters also hammering and working as well.

Then they all join each other to play some Spike and S'mash Ball. You look around and realize that your family has grown and you have in-laws and even grand-kids. You watch. And your heart grows and grows and it physically hurts; but in a good way.

Moments that clutch your heart. Moments, when your children are adults, that you realize that no matter how old they get, you will still be their mom and your love will continue to have no bounds. AND, beyond what I could have ever dreamed; your heart CAN grow and CAN encompass and hold and love more people.

How big must be the heart of God. How his heart must ache when we hurt and must burst when we laugh and play. If my little heart can grow and stretch and fill – how much more can His?

From Ephesians 3 The Message

“And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”

PS. One of my previous articles about grief (edited for length) will be published on another site www.herviewfromhome.com starting July 9! The more views I get, the more opportunities I can have of being published on this site. So check me out starting July 9!