Grow Up

Shalom God,
Explain something to me - how is it that my children are growing up but I'm not?  I'm not denying my age - I'm not afraid of getting old - I just don't think of myself as an...adult.  And I certainly don't think of myself as responsible enough to have three children, one of whom is a teenager!

Don't get me wrong I think I'm a fit father - I just think You have more faith in me than I have in myself.  As I look back on the first 13 years of my parenting I see so many mistakes - so many missed opportunities.  I wonder if You've ever looked back on Your "early years" of "parenting" us and thought to Yourself, "WOW did I screw that one up."

Sometimes I read the stories of Your interactions with my ancestors and I imagine a little regret in hindsight.  There were a few things that I would have done differently than You.  But then again, I'm positive that as You've watched me parent You've said to Yourself, "Oy David, what are you doing?"

All I can say, God, is, "I'm trying" and "I'm growing up."  For every year that my children grow I gain not only more grey hair but also tremendous knowledge and insight about myself, the parent and the person I want to be.

I am so thankful to You, God, for the example You've shown in how to raise, and sometimes, how not to raise children.  I appreciate the times that You've allowed us to see Your successes and, even more so, your mistakes.  I pray that You and my children, continue to have patience with me as I become the parent You know I can be.

Thank You for Your patience and for helping me to grow up.

David