My oldest son reached a new milestone in his life recently. He officially got his beginner’s license! At first, all I felt was excitement for him, on this new rite of passage. Then, it became official and I felt both anxiety and joy for him. The other day, my husband and I had taken separate vehicles to their baseball practice. On the way home, I had driven behind them and suddenly, I felt an emotional wave go through me. For as my son turned the corner, the sun had beamed down on him and the car. I did not see this little boy, but this young man in his place. My son was driving. I am not sure when he went from a small boy, to this tall teenager that could drive. I felt a mix of emotions. Although mostly good, it was also bittersweet. This once little boy that was so excited as he mastered riding his bike, was now a young man, learning to master driving.  I am not sure where these last few years have gone, though I have loved all these milestones. Despite the realization that he will be a man sooner than I had at first thought; I know there are still many milestones to go. I look forward to them all. Although, there will always be a part of me that misses that little boy. Though as a mom, it is my job to raise him to be a good, godly-man and be prepared for the world. All the stages getting there are special and unique; I wouldn’t change them for anything.

As parents it is a wonderful experience, even if bittersweet sometimes; as we watch our children grow. Prayerfully becoming the people that God created them to be. Though it is a learning process at times. Sometimes for us as parents, sometimes for them. Other times, for all of us. When we watch them reach new milestones it is a wonderful feeling. Not just for our child, but us as their parents. It got me thinking, how God must love to watch us reach milestones in our faith. Learning how to better walk with Him and live our lives for His glory. As we grow in this world, we are given the opportunity, daily, to grow in our faith. Reaching new depths in our relationship with God. I can only imagine just as it brings joy into our hearts walking with Him daily; the joy that God feels when we as His children, grow in our faith.

Friend, like our children as they grow; may we constantly be growing in our faith. For though reaching all milestones is an incredible feat. There is nothing more wonderful than nurturing and deepening our walk with God. For He has blessed us with the opportunity of eternity with Him, if we so choose and ask. There is no better rite of passage, than the one that leads us Heaven bound.

Erin Fitts-Brower

2 Peter 3:18 NIV

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.