tion began to creep back. Right in front of company he did it— came over and kissed his Daddy good night on the cheek. I wanted to say, “How about me?”, but I held my tongue, for I knew that he had par tially emerged from his cocoon. How thankful I was! And those kisses did come for me— unsolicit ed and so greatly appreciated. In his spiritual life my son also went into a shell. I used to remind him to read his Bible and pray each day. He did not seem to want to discuss spiritual things with me anymore. I became convinced that I could not keep reminding him every day to read his Bible as I used to. The time had arrived in his life when he must meet God alone because he wanted to. I prayed much for him in these days of out ward spiritual indifference. All of these things I pondered— trusting that some day I should see the an swer to my prayers. I know God must speak to him personally and he must respond personally. I do not want him to be “Mamma-called” or “Daddy-sent.” Perhaps the mystery surrounding his spiritual condition is only a part of the thirteenth year. It has all been such a mystery. I have not figured it all out, but he seems to be emerging in all areas— and I like what I see breaking through. I have taught him and molded his life for thirteen years. I perceive that much of my part is over except to be lov ing, understanding, forgiving and constantly prayerful. I thought I was capable of being a good mother and that I had the right answers to the problems that arose. But when my son became thirteen, I had to tell the Lord, “ I am not capable — oh God, I relin quish him into Your hands. You have all the answers; I do not.” With God’s help and much-need ed wisdom I will witness the “break through of the butterfly.” All too soon for me I will see him lift his wings to fly. After all, isn't that what I have been preparing him to do all these years? KB
of “barging in” are over. He is growing up, you know— old enough to be embarrassed if he is not dressed; old enough to lock his door on occasion. Learn one rule now— knock on that teenager’s door be fore you go in. He needs time— lots of it— to think, to be alone, to do whatever he wants. If you have been used to affec tion from your son, do not be too hurt if expressions of his affection fade to practically nil during this year. And do not get mushy— he is growing up! Kid around if you like — grab him and jostle him up. But do not confront him with, “You don’t love me as you used to. What’s wrong?" (whiny voice) Delight of all delights will be the day when he on his own comes to kiss you on the cheek goodnight. I’ll never forget when a little affec
with a room just for our budding teenager to retreat to. Here he could assume the serious business of spinning his cocoon in complete privacy. That is just what it be came too — forbidden territory for the other children. That indeed was a blessing for him and me — his mother. His room could now become his sole responsibility and no one else could be blamed for the mess. He certainly rose to the situation and the large majority of the time his room was kept neat and well- organized. If you are the mother of a thirteen-year-old, I heartedly rec ommend a room all his own with plenty of drawers and shelves and storage space for all kinds of things. I also recommend to you that you observe his privacy. The days
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JUNE, 1970
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