And so it begins

On one hand, it seems like only yesterday.  On the other, it feels like a long time.  In reality, it was 12 years, 9 months, and 17 days (as of writing this blog) since Kara was born.  (That stat courtesy of this website that does that kind of thing.  Because, let’s be honest, there’s a website that does every kind of thing.)

The “K’s” have it – Kara and Kane

Doesn’t seem like much.  In other households, it may happen much earlier than almost 13 years old.  And, packing her up for a vacation that doesn’t include us may pale in comparison to shipping her off to college, but to me it marks the beginning.

My theory has always been that we have a very, very small window to really impact our kids.  They are likely at least 2 or 3 years old before they start to comprehend things that you tell them (besides “no” to putting your finger in an electrical outlet or splashing around in the toilet).  And by the time they hit high school (or sometimes even earlier), they think they have a grip on the whole world and aren’t as open to instruction or advice.  So, about 10 years or less – give or take.

We will go tonight to watch two great families give their kids away to each other in marriage.  While it marks a beautiful beginning of new lives, it’s also a tough moment to just release into the world what you’ve raised, instructed, and protected for so long.  You hope they are ready for all the things this evil world will throw at them.  You hope their faith is stronger than Satan’s tricks.  You hope that others will see the great person that you know and watched grow.

Something about K’s – Kara and KA

But the deal is, whether they are ready or not, they can’t stay 3 years old with cute little pigtails forever.  They will desire more than formula and milk . Riding on your shoulders or holding on to your finger to walk will lose its luster.  And once they pass from one stage to the next, the one they just left holds no comparison to the one they are currently in, and they just can’t wait for the one that lies ahead.

It’s bittersweet for a parent.  I’m so proud of the young lady Kara has become.  She is kind, loving, funny, smart, athletic, and loves to worship.  I also miss the pigtails and the tiny voice saying “Daddy” sometimes.  But, I wouldn’t want that to last forever.  She was created for more.

Kara and her twin, Iyanna

So, it reminds me that we all were created for more.  Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we could go through the motions of being followers of His for a lifetime without actually growing up.  Attending church services, avoiding “major” sins, but never really growing closer to Him and maturing in our faith is not what He had in mind.

In 1 Corinthians 13 – the “love chapter” – is a reminder from Paul to the church at Corinth that when he grew in his faith, he put aside the things that marked his spiritual immaturity.  He wanted to be a spiritual adult and, like our kids, never want to go back to what it was like as a toddler or small child.

Two beautiful girls – Kara and her real twin

My prayer is that I have that wide-eyed anticipation for what God has in store for my faith walk.  I can be satisfied with where I am now in Christ, but never content.

The true mark of a personal faith that is ALIVE is growth.  No growth = no life.

Meanwhile, I’m Google-searching for that website that slows down time. . . . at least for the four little Scotts I know best.