My baby girl is going to be twelve next month. That means that she will be registering for Jr. High next week. She wants a cell phone, her own bathroom, and clothes that she, and only she, picked out. I know I should be worried and overwhelmed at the idea of having an up-and-coming teenager, and, truth be told, Zane and I did have a little freak out moment a few days ago when we said out loud several times---"WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A CHILD IN JUNIOR HIGH."
But I'm not freaking out yet---I am really excited for Eliza. I look at her and see a potential that makes me tear up. (Cue Katy Perry's 'Firework' here) Maybe the reason I have such confidence in the near future is because I look around our life and see the people who are, and will be, part of Eliza's life. I see the women who work in the youth program in our church and I want to hug them. I know how much work they put into their callings. I see our family and friends, our neighbors and school teachers, and know that Eliza respects and adores all of them. And they all care a lot about her. They will influence her for good, I know.
This week there has been a lot of news about a new show on MTV that is supposed to be aimed at teens. It is supposedly a pretty graphic portrayal of teen life that includes drinking, drugs, sex of all sorts and, well you get the idea. I was reading an article about it, and then scanned through the comment section. I was surprised at how many people wrote that they wondered what the big deal is. They said things like, "The teens today do this and more, why not show it like it is?" I started to have a little panic attack, thinking that this is the world my kids are going to grow up in. I wondered for a few seconds how on earth I thought I could ever show them a better way if that is truly normal.
Then tonight I watched this video clip. It calmed me and restored my faith in the potential of my children. I love that the people in this clip see a better way, and spend their lives teaching others about it. There is a lot out there that is bad, but I'll be darned if this didn't make me remember, overwhelmingly, the good and right things. They are real, they are normal and I am so thankful for the people and the programs who remind me and my beautiful daughter of that fact.
4 comments:
Yup - a lot out there to worry about. But a lot to be excited about too. Eliza has parents who love her and do their best to show her the positive things that are in this world. She is smart and funny and creative and kind-hearted. These things won't change. Hooray for all of you!
Remember when she was a tiny, adorable, sleeping infant whenever she yells or acts like a crazy teenager...I've heard that helps! :)
And also remember how thankful I am that you are going through it first so you can tell me how to manage everything!
She has learned from only the best YOU!! She will be just fine, but I Cannot believe how time flies. wow!
I love this picture of Eliza! I can still remember the day she was born like it was yesterday! That first cute picture of Zane holding her in the hospital...where did the time go? She is a beautiful girl!
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