Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Moms and Sons


My son Matt. I can no longer call him my boy. Dang it, he's grown into a full fledged man, beard and all. Matt and I are A LOT alike. He gets in the car everyday after work and is ready to talk about anything and everything that his on his mind. The boy is certainly not afraid of confrontation. Apple...tree...yeah, I know the saying. Anyhow, yesterday he gets in the car and begins to share his cell phone plans. He doesn't have one yet and so he is deciding which plan he wants. Well, I failed the test miserably. I just slammed him verbally about how ridiculous his plan is. I mean, I FAILED BIG TIME. Well, last night as I was talking with a young mom it came to me exactly what I should be doing with Matt. I should pray on the way to get him and then be fully prepared to not react to anything he says. When I got home last night I asked his forgiveness for responding so strongly and so poorly to him and in his sweet way he quickly forgave this momma, even though I seem to commit the same sins toward him over and over again. Soooo, today when I picked him up I was prepared. He got in the car and as we were pulling out of the parking area he starts to tell me a story from work and I said,
"Matt, wait a minute, can you tell me about cell phones again."
And Matt said, "I don't want to talk about cell phones."
I said, "Please, please tell me again about cell phones."
He said, "Why?"
I said, "I've been practicing...pleeeease tell me again about cell phones."
So Matt proceeded to tell me his plans for a cell phone with a big smile on his face, and I responded correctly with a calm, "oh, what does Dad have to say about this? And well, whatever you and Dad decide to do is fine with me." Then Matt looked at me very seriously and said, "What have you done with my mom?"
I share that story because that is the deal in life. Often we can make mistakes, offend those we love, hurt them and handle it totally wrong and yet as long as we are willing to admit how poorly we handled it the first time our loved ones will give us a "do-over". I am so thankful that when I try to argue with God about how "right" I am in a situation He patiently and gently(most times)tells me where I went wrong and He gives me opportunity to stop right then and make things right, with Him and the one I've wronged. God has used Matt in so many ways in my life. At this time he is using Matt to teach me to "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:19-20) I memorized this verse years ago...now God is using my precious son to plant these seeds in my life again that I might reap a harvest of righteousness and right relationships with those around me. I am so thankful for my "man-boy" and I love him so much. God is faithful and He will work all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. Blessings and peace to you all!

8 comments:

jennifer said...

Matt sure is a cutie. My oldest is almost 11, and I know the day is coming soon when he is bigger than me. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Christie said...

Oh, Jackie! This made me cry as I read it even though you had already told me the story and I laughed!!! It made me cry because it was so sweet and such a sweet reminder of God's grace!! I am always so challenged and encouraged by your "lightbulb" moments and all that God is teaching you. Thanks for sharing...I value it greatly! I love you! Christie

Mom 2 six said...

Makes me thinks and thanks for that -today I will take a moment to just listen.

Brandi said...

I love hearing your journey. Isn't the Lord so sweet?! And, the fun thing is that it probably touched Matt's heart in a way you don't even know. . .I know it did mine!

Love you,
Brandi

DAVID AND AMY VENN'S WEBSITE said...

What an amazing journey it is to be a parent. God is good!! By the way Jackie, let us know when you are in Marietta.
Amy, David and Emily Grace

Steph said...

It is mighty hard to let go of those little boys, even (especially?) when they're not so little any more. By the way, would you like me to let my boys call you when they want to talk about their cell phones, movie and music choices.... I don't do so great at that either. It's quite a ride, this motherhood.

Tricia said...

You and Matt look so much alike...he is quite the handsome young man. :) I love the verse that you posted. That is so good and we all need that reminder every now and then. My oldest is only 10, but I'm finding him more and more independent these days, in ways that I didn't necessarily expect! We're all learning right along with you...thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Eileen said...

He looks just like you!!! Is he the one I was supposed to meet at Lifest last year? I didn't make it there this year (because of my mom) but can't wait for next year.

Thanks for your kind words and prayers about the loss of my mom. I really appreciate it!

So WHEN are we going to chat??? I miss you! Still wishing we could have traveled together.