Another year come and gone....

Caleb just headed out the door for the last day of his freshman year in high school. Friday before last, Lindsay finished up her last day of high school... period! Heather is just about to complete her freshman year of college. And I ask myself again...where has the time gone?
My friend (www.abundantlifeliving.blogspot.com - I can't figure out how to put a link here :-) just updated her blog about how prayers for our kids change...and boy, do they!
I'm so excited to see how the Lord is using our children. I've watched them go from little kids to "almost adult" kids and it's amazing to see what the Lord is doing in each of their hearts.
It's been a great year. Yes, there have been mountaintop experiences and there have been valleys. Valleys, where I've clung to my Lord and held on tight. I'm so thankful for those moments.
Lindsay will graduate from high school this Saturday...didn't Heather just graduate last year? I pray that my kids will always remember just what Christ has done for them, how much He adores them, and that He will forever be in the center of everything they say and do. My job as a Mom is quickly coming to an end. Yes, I know...once a mom, always a mom. But soon, each one of them will leave home, and will be making their own decisions. I won't be there to watch over them. But God will, and I pray each of the decisions they choose, God will be pleased. I close with this...

What do you think of me?

From baby steps and finger paints
and learning how to read,
I proudly asked the world's advice,
"What do you think of me?"

With trophies, grades and honors
I quickly began to see
the world applauds success and fame-
"What do you think of me?"

"You look great," "I love your smile,"
"You've lost some weight, I see."
With high school comes the dating game-
"What do you think of me?"

For boyfriends and promised love,
I traded my purity,
and choked back tears and silently asked,
"What do you think of me?"

The world's applause was my reward
when I sought to please,
but the clapping stopped when I missed the mark-
"What do you think of me?"

And now I stand before his throne
burdened by sin and shame.
Beaten and battered by the world,
I call upon his name.

I hold back tears and try to speak,
but utter a silent plea.
With downcast eyes, I finally ask,
"What do you think of me?"

I catch my breath as he draws close
In fear, my knees grow weak.
My heart grows faint as I wait on him
And then I hear him speak:

“My child,” he said, the time has come
when you ask the same of me.
For so long you've sought the world's advice—
What do you think of me?

Now, here we are, my turn has come,
the chance to finally say
exactly what I think of you,
so allow me, if I may.”

Gently, he takes my chin
and raises my face to see.
"My child," he said, "You're beautiful-
for you're made in the image of me!

The world was quick to judge your deeds,
but failed to tell the rest-
there was nothing you could do
to make me love you less.

Before you ever drew a breath,
My name was on your heart,
the author of your hidden frame
before your life did start.

You entered this life with pomp and fare
And I held my breath to see,
if those I allowed to care for you
would teach you all about me.

An innocent child, your journey began
in this life to find your place.
The world was quick to take your hand
and thus began the race.

In quiet moments throughout your life
I whispered in your ear,
tender pledges of my love-
I prayed someday you'd hear.

But the world could offer nothing
to fill your inmost need,
and release you from the bondage of sin
and love you eternally.

My Son was sent to tell the world
of my unfailing love -
A covenant pledged to all mankind
and written in the heavens above.

My boy was nailed to a rugged cross,
For you, he agreed to die.
As a sacrifice for your sin and shame,
"It is finished," he finally cried.

The world could never match my love,
the price was far too high-
for if you were the only one,
My Son would choose to die.

I've gone to desperate lengths, my child,
to prove my love to you.
I loved you then, I love you now-
Will you love me too?”

“My child,” he said, “The choice is yours.
What will your answer be?
It's your turn now -- the question is,
What do you think of me?"

(c) Vicki Courtney, 1999