Blessed2Bless by Steve Klusmeyer
The Alien Among Us
by Steve Klusmeyer - 8/12/2003
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Thirteen, Going on Twenty
Teenagers seemed to be a hot topic this week as I listened to the radio and read my e-mail. Popular comedian, Chonda Pierce, said of her 13 year old, "Aliens came last week and sucked his brain out!" And Karen Rinehart, author of the e-letter, Bus Stop Mommies, wrote, "I know now, on the eve of the official teenage years, that we are entering the Great Unknown, just as we did the eve of his birth thirteen years ago."We, too, are standing on the threshold of this foreign territory known as the teen years. Although Caleb won't officially become a teenager for another 30 days, we've already seen the blank stare, the moodiness, and the eye rolling. We've heard, "Whatever," "Fine!" and "Hold on." We've tried to navigate through his messy room. We've listened to the loud music (some of it's actually not that bad). Long gone are the dreaded calls from telemarketers - now it's the seemingly unending calls from girls (not to be referred to as girlfriends, just friends who happen to be girls). And don't forget eating everything in sight and sleeping until noon (although that can be a blessing at times).
War and Peace
Many days seem to be spent at war or just living through the calm before the storm; but I know that in spite of the downside, there is an even better upside. In the end, parenting is worth the effort. As we make the journey over the next six years, I want Caleb to learn several things. Here are just a few.I want Caleb to know that I accept him like he is. He is not a manufacture defect. His strengths and his weaknesses are who he is. God made him that way for a purpose. I want him to know that I haven't changed my mind about what I said the first time I saw him almost 13 years ago, "He's a keeper!"
I want Caleb to know that because of who he is, he can make a difference. I want to instill in him the idea that he is uniquely designed and perfectly equipped to make a distinct difference in the world around him. I want to help him discover who he is and what extraordinary plan God has for his life.
I want Caleb to see my weakness and my strength. (So far, I haven't had any trouble showing my weakness.) I want to model the right values and characteristics because I know in many ways, looking at him will be like looking in a mirror. I want him to know God's presence and the boldness and direction He brings.
A Work In Progress
Right now, it may seem like there is an alien among us. It may seem like his brain has been sucked out. But I know he is a work in progress. I realize that it will not happen quickly and I can't force it. I must be willing to provide what he needs. Then wait on him and on God for the results.If you're like us, you may be feeling overwhelmed or even a little frightened by the responsibilities of dealing with your 13 year old (or 2 year old, or 9 year old, or fill-in-the-age year old). You don't have to face it alone. There is help. Learn more.
Visit the web site of Chonda Pierce.
Find Chonda on Facebook.
Visit the web site of Karen Rinehart.
Find Karen on Facebook.