Growing Pains
Micah asked if he could borrow my blog today to post something that was on his mind. Here are his thoughts:
Every
once in a while, one of our children will go through a growth spurt. We
never know exactly when it's coming, although it seems to happen around
every 6 or so months. While we don't know quite when a growth spurt is
coming, we can tell when the kids are in one. They eat a little more.
They seem to need more sleep, but their bodies have a hard time resting.
Since they are tired, they also get a little bit emotional. They are
shorter with their words towards others and less obedient. They cry more
over things that seem minor. They sometimes complain about pain: sore
knees, headaches, and general achiness. When we notice these things, we
do what most parents would do-- we remind the kids that they are in the
midst of a growth spurt. When they tell us that their bodies hurt and
that they can't sleep, or when they are unkind with their words and have
a hard time obeying, we tell them that we can tell they are once again
in a growth spurt. We let them know that the growth spurt IS uncomfortable
but that it will not last forever. And we tell them that the only way
their bodies and minds get bigger and stronger is through growth, even
if it is unpleasant at the time. Sometimes, we just hold them close and
say,"I know this isn't fun. I know your body hurts and is tired. What
you need is rest. Come and rest in my arms for a while."
As
far as I can tell, I'm done growing physically (although my weight
fluctuates from time to time). But even as a grown up, I go through
growth spurts as well. They just look a little different. I think I am
in the middle of one right now. Life has been busy lately. I'm teaching
full time when I was expecting to just sub here and there. I am taking
classes. I am a volunteer for Upward at church. I am on the Leadership
Council at a church that is in major transition. I am on the Avalon
School board. And I still have a wife and children who need my
attention. I get tired. I get a little bit short with others. I lose
sleep at night because I can't turn my mind off with all of the
responsibilities I bear. And I worry that I am going to make a mistake
and let others down. But when I am completely exhausted and ready to
give up, I hear a voice calling to me. It says,"I know this isn't fun. I
know your body hurts and is tired. But you're growing too-- you're
learning to teach and lead and handle conflict. You're learning to be a
better husband, father, and teacher. What you need is rest. Come and
rest in my arms for a while." When I do finally take time to stop for a
while and rest in His arms, I find peace. And I know that this season of
growth will strengthen me for what lies ahead.
