Okay, first of all, I just found my blog again. I knew I had left it somewhere and couldn’t remember where. I’m not sure anyone missed me, but I decided that I missed writing it. Let’s face it, it is either this or I purchase the punching bag that my son wants.
So, I have been reading about some interesting things lately. Last week, a young girl from my hometown was lost at sea or in distress (depending upon which media you listen to). Anyway, upon being rescued and returned home, many people felt the need to chastise her and her parents for being irresponsible. Her parents were accused of being neglectful. She was accused of being elite and snobbish. Apparently by trying to do something that was a lifelong dream (all 16 years of it), she opened the door for the rest of America to decide what kind of person she is. I am constantly amazed at what people will say about someone else, but if the situation were reversed, they would be appalled that someone would put them down.
I’m not sure that I would want my teenage child to do what she did, but I respect her right and her parent’s right to make that decision. I see and hear about kids all the time that are doing things that are hurtful, illegal and downright rude to people around them. Where are all the critics regarding these issues? How come no one wants to get involved with kids that need some guidance and correction. Of course, it is much easier to criticize someone who isn’t that rough around the edges.
I think children should be encouraged to live out their dreams with responsibility being at the core of their decisions. If they are capable, then go for it. Obviously I wouldn’t send a child that didn’t know what they were doing into an adventure such as this, but she was more than able. My own children have done some things that have left me sleepless (quite often). As a matter of fact, my daughters routinely go to skid row in downtown Los Angeles . They spend time with the people living on the streets, providing food, clothing and a friendly face. When they first approached me regarding this, I said “No way”. I mean we are talking about downtown LA in the middle of the night. Oh, I forgot to mention that….they go around 10:00 pm and don’t get home until after 4:00 am. Yeah….I don’t sleep much on Sunday nights. They finally convinced me as they had made such an effort to work with people who are very concerned with their safety. I am proud of the fact that they care enough about others to make that effort.
Tomorrow, my daughter Amanda, is leaving for a missions trip to Africa. She is 18 years old and I am nervous, but this has been a desire of her heart for as long as I can remember. There has been so much planning and training involved, that I have no doubt she is ready to embark on her adventure. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I trust God with her as she is his first anyway. I am sure there are people who would tell me that I am crazy for allowing her to go. I have been told over and over by well-meaning people, that this trip could be dangerous (I am glad they told me as I wouldn’t have known otherwise).
Our children need to know that we support them and their dreams. They need to be able to believe that they can accomplish whatever they set out to do. They need to know that we will be waiting for them when they come home. Our job as parents is to encourage them, ensure they are prepared and to pray for their safe return. To Abby I say “good job” and to her parents I say “congratulations on raising a well-rounded young lady who won’t be afraid of what life brings”!!!!
