Sunday, April 29, 2007

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

My son is a senior in high school. This next weekend is his senior prom. He has been elected to the prom court and tonight I am overwhelmed with sorrow as I think that his father will not be here to witness this great milestone in my son’s life.

As I sat, wallowing in my self-pity, this verse in Jeremiah came to mind. God has far more planned for my son than I can imagine or envision. God has plans for my son that includes hope and a bright future, despite the “hand he has been dealt:” So tonight I celebrate who my son is—who he has become and who he will be.

He is the living legacy of his father. He is loved by everyone and has a special spirit that causes others to be at ease with him and themselves. He has a strong moral fiber which I, as his mother, am so very proud of. He is a natural musician and uses his talent to serve. He is a “normal” teenager, who, under abnormal circumstances has risen to become an exceptional human being. Sometimes, I look at him and am saddened that he no longer has an earthy father to share his life memories with, but am forever grateful that he has many strong men in his life who are more than willing to stand-in and represent his father, not take the place of, but to simply represent.

Life is hard, but my son is a perfect example of how overcoming is not only a possibility, but required to continue into a life of hope and a future filled with promise. Whatever God has for him, he will meet the challenge with the confidence and conviction that is his birthright. Whether he is crowned prom king on Saturday night is of little significance to us, he deserves much more than a silly earthly crown and will indeed receive such.

THIS I know for sure…

6 comments:

my3angels said...

I love this scripture. It's one of my favorites and has helped me get through this unexpected journey that I've been on. I've really enjoyed reading your blogs. You have such an eloquent way with your words.

Marsha said...

Thank you Andrea,
I also admire your writing and journey---wish I didn't have to get to know you under these circumstances, but am so very thankful that God has decided to bless me through you.
Blessings,
Marsha

suzanne said...

Marsha,
I can not believe that this weekend is our sons' senior proms and their graduation is just weeks away!
I am sad, but happy too. It is a mixture of emotions that I feel. Having Robo leave means we will now have an empty nest. This is the first time I will not have a child at home in 22 years of marriage. Many people tell me that it is a wonderful thing, but I will miss the noise, competition, and the happiness that Robo has brought us! Chad is one fantastic young man! Don is proud!

Love
Suzanne

Marsha said...

Well Suzanne,
Anytime you need some noise--there is plenty down the street. I have enjoyed watching our sons grow into these amazing young men. It makes me so very proud that these guys have become men of character and substanance. Now we send them into the world--to become whatever God has in store for them. Godspeed!!!!
Marsha

Anonymous said...

MARSHA.....I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S ALMOST HERE ALSO! CHAD AND MACKENZIE HAVE GROWN UP TOGETHER AND HAVE BECOME AMAZING YOUNG ADULTS. WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED THAT THEY HAVE MANAGED TO STAY TRUE TO THEMSELVES AND NOT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING OR SAYING. BEING CROWNED KING AND QUEEN WOULD BE PRETTY SWEET BUT WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE THEY SHALL REMAIN THE AWESOME KIDS THAT THEY ARE WITH GREAT FUTURES AHEAD OF THEM.. NANCE

Marsha said...

Ahh Nancy,
You are right, Mackenzie is an awesome young woman. Her faith has remained her biggest asset. It will be what will sustain her throughout her life. We are indeed blessed to have such wonderful kids. It brings tears of joy to my eyes when I think of what life has in store for them. Thank you for raising such a great girl and for her friendship to Chad. I know it is one that he values greatly.
Love ya,
Marsha