Just Stop With All This

As I was driving into our neighborhood today I noticed a mom pushing a stroller, and walking next to her was her older daughter, probably about five-years-old.  I smiled, and then inhaled deeply to try and stop the tears that wanted to pour out of my eyes.

Oh how I remember those days.

And then the sting of reality set in.  In less than two weeks, my baby, who used to walk beside me while we pushed her younger sister in the stroller, will be turning 13.

So that leads me to the question, can’t we just stop with all this?  With all this growing up?

This weekend Madeline and I, and a friend and her daughter, are going away to celebrate our two new 13 year-olds!  Madeline and Saige are childhood friends, who celebrate birthdays about a month apart.   And Saige’s mom and I share just as long, and just as special, of a friendship. We are going away this weekend to discuss boys, dating, God, self-worth, and purity.  These are heavy topics, and I’m not quite seeing the celebration in it all.

I remember, as if it were yesterday, Madeline and Saige on the first day of Kindergarten.  I remember Tammy and I walking through the school parking lot in silence, because it’s difficult to talk when you’re crying.  I remember all the firsts these girls experienced; lost teeth, sleepovers, birthday parties.  I remember friendship drama, Vacation Bible School, mountain getaways, soccer games, dance recitals, injuries and church events.  It’s all there, as if no time has passed.  All the beautiful memories of raising our girls, side by side, season by season.  And now this.

The time has come.  The dreaded 13 is here. The topics up for discussion seem serious and mature.  The responsibility on this momma seems too much.

But at the same time.  Deep in my soul.  A still small voice, whispers, You are doing what is right.  The responsibility is great, but it’s worth it. I promise.

This weekend we will study scriptures, we will share stories and complete activities.  We will eat, we will giggle, we will cry, we will get serious, and we will celebrate.  Because purity is something to celebrate.  Waiting for true love is beautiful.  And saving yourself and your heart for marriage is honorable.

The weekend will conclude with the dads presenting their daughters with a ring that symbolizes a promise they will make to stay pure until their wedding day.

Someday, years and years to come, it’s possible I will be writing a similar post as these two precious ladies surrender their purity rings for wedding bands.  They will look into the eyes of their mates and make promises of love and fidelity–just as they made a promise to God, in the presence of their parents, on February 29, 2014.

But still, can’t we just stop with all this?  Just for a little while?

Finally, Beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8