Grow Away

Some places in life are meant to be embraced as they are and those that gifted Garden of the Gods to Colorado Springs felt that way too. This breathtaking free park hosts towering red rock stone formations that have been shoved like splinters in the middle of the valley’s landscape. Enjoying some trails on the outskirts led us back to the center of some climbing places where the boys pit their strength against the rocks. Climbing, jumping, shimmying and sliding, every crack and crevice needed to be explored and conquered. Seth confidently made it up and through a high narrow crag (with his mom’s heart beating wildly) where his daddy met him on the other side. Some places were conquered, others conquered us and a few marks and bruises may be souvenirs for the journey home. 
As a parent, we walk this fine line between hand feeding our babies and pushing them out of the nest. Many times I would like to remain in the ‘I (try to) control you’ phase like when they are little because I can manage the outcome and (let’s be truthful here) manage my reaction to the outcome. However, these boys are growing before my eyes, almost eye level and we are sending 2 off into a new school this season. Their desire to be men and prove themselves runs strong against my desire to hold and protect and so I watch them run...and climb...and fall amongst the towering obstacles, and I encourage and cheer. Because if they can’t hear me cheer for them here when the stakes and failures are small, will they hear me cheer for them out there? 
My boys know they are loved...they roll their eyes daily when I tell them. But I also know the enemy seeks to steal their strength, that God-instilled part that is created to conquer and protect and provide and stand strong against the onslaught of life. Just like these towering rocks they are fighting against in this park don't want to be changed, my boys want to be embraced as they are. It’s that part that I cheer when they look to me with eyes that scream ‘am I enough, do I have what it takes?’ Yes son, you do, now go climb your mountain. And I cry as they grow up and away but I know their Daddy will catch them on the other side.