When our girl was in first grade, she was enthralled with a Mr. Rogers episode that showed how cheese is made in France. For the next 4 years, she would remind us that when she grew up, she wanted to become a cheese maker. Because I believe that kids should figure things out more than they need to be told, I would affirm her intent and ask to be sure she would make some Gouda cheese for me.
Fast forward. This girl is now an adult pursuing a master's degree in advancing impoverished communities in the world, teaching them to be self-sustaining. I probably mangled that definition, but the point is she sifted through her many experiences and dreams and landed on something that dignifies and blesses whole communities.
When our son was in first grade, he told us he wanted to be a Navy Seal. For the next 9 years, he would make occaisional comments about this desire. Remembering the "Cheese Maker" scenario, I absolutely affirmed his desire to be a hero.
A few months ago that (newly-turned-seventeen) son told us that he had something he wanted to talk with us about. He had met a National Guard recruiter at school and wanted to pursue conversations about enlisting as a junior in high school.
Gulp.
A handful of meetings and even more conversations later, he did enlist and has already attended two monthly drills. He will spend most of this summer in Boot Camp.
What?
Suddenly I realized that this child planned to skip some stages in the "growing up cycle". He is seeking out levels of responsibility and challenge far sooner than life would toss his way. While he is attracted to the fact that college costs will be covered by this decision, he sincerely desires to be part of team that helps protect, defend and restore. He is using the next six years as a launching pad for a possible military career.
Although already in college at his age, I barely thought about the future much beyond the next term paper. My highest concern was which outfit I was going to wear the next day, and of course; wondering if I looked fat.
The difference between me then and now and what my children have chosen is huge. I did not have the luxury when growing up to know what it meant for God to love me. I did not know one thing about what it meant to have a personal relationship with him through Jesus Christ - nor did I know that that was the reason God even put humans on earth!
My kids have grown up knowing what I later learned: I didn't want them to experience the void I did. I wanted them to know they could count on God. They got to grow up knowing that God loves them and cares intimately about every detail in their lives and that knowing him truly matters.
Through that, we have all learned to value others. Life is not just about ourselves, it is how we connect with others and their lives - wherever they are - whoever they are.
That being said, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that both my kids are other-focused and see beyond today.
I'm just working through the fact that it happened so fast...
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