18 (or, “On Raising Adults”)
My post this week just happens to coincide with a special day in the life of a special young man. Today, my son turns 18. That means that both of our kids are now legally adults. I guess that empty nest really is drawing near.
Turner is a delight. Is he perfect? No. We still have things to work on. But it has been nothing short of impressive to watch him mature and to work on some of his shortcomings himself. He has a heart for doing what is right, and that is all I can ask for.
When Mary Carol turned 18 something struck me, and it has struck me again as Turner’s 18th birthday approached. It is how the word “adult” becomes part of your vocabulary. In our culture, 18 is the “adult” age in many ways. They can vote. They are eligible for the military. Even things like taxes or privacy laws change at 18.
But, as a parent, you know they still have so many “kid” or “teen” qualities they need to work through. It is not that you want to hold them back (hopefully), but it is that you know they have more maturing to do. With all the “legal” things that change at 18, though, the reality hits you that time really is short.
However…this is what you’ve worked for.
Leah and I often say when we are asked to speak about parenting: you aren’t raising children. You are raising adults!
Why? Because, while every faithful Christian needs to retain a child-like nature, they also need to put away child-ish things. They must mature. And, as parents, that’s what you have been working for. You know you haven’t completed the job (and you never will). But you have worked so hard to help them know how to face this “adult” world in faith and maturity.
Today, he’s 18. And I am very proud of him. He still has things to work on. But he is one of the most impressive young men I know, and my daddy heart is proud of him.
Now, onward to the adult world, where, with God’s help, I believe he will thrive.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
