Ecclesiastes 3:1  There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven

When my children were teenagers I was often told, “You don’t look old enough to have teenagers.” I confess I liked hearing it. But one day I got to thinking about the whole thing. I started looking at my friends and peers and realized that most people don’t look  old enough to have teenagers, going into the deal (unless they started late). It’s being the parent of teenagers that brings about the metamorphosis, transforming us until, yep, we have teenagers, and we look it.

It’s kind of like the president of the United States. Have you ever noticed how young most of them look before they’re elected? Half way through one term, however,  they suddenly sprout gray hair. And by the time they exit the office, they have aged approximately twice the number of years they actually served.

And another thing, most commanders in chief hit their stride about two years after they leave office. No matter their popularity (or lack thereof) while in office, once they have been a former president for a couple of years, they are almost always revered and held in high esteem.

Likewise, by the time we hit our stride as parents of teenagers, viola! They are no longer teenagers. By then we are usually sporting the telltale signs of having been the parents of… awe yes, teenagers, bless their little hearts.

But wait! There is reward around the corner. Like the former president who becomes revered and respected, the former parent of a teenager becomes…ta da! A grandparent! Your grandchildren will love you, and you them, on a whole new and wonderful level. They think you’re the greatest thing since peanut butter. And your children? They will look at you, shake their heads, and wonder what in the world happened to that tyrant who didn’t know anything about…well, about anything.

Oh, but the rewards just keep coming! Before you know it, your children become parents of teenagers. They’re pleased when people say to them, “You don’t look old enough to have teenagers!”

That’s when you nod, sit back, and smile. Just like every commander in chief does, the day after he leaves office.

Proverbs 17:6  Children’s Children are the crown of old men, (and old women)

If you enjoyed these thoughts, won’t you share them with your friends?  I would love them join us at My Kitchen Table, where there’s always room for another friend.

© Sharon E. Coleman 2013

More on parenthood, see Surrender or Tomorrows Memories