Our house is a bit of a hub-bub in this season of our lives.
We have four beautiful children, with lots going on. My husband and I are both
professional church workers with our own schedules. But much of the hub-bub has
a little less to do with the everyday and a little more to do with what is to
come.
We are preparing for confirmation at our house. Confirmation
verses are being picked. Party ideas are being pinned. Food, and invitations,
and attendees are being selected.
At first glance it may seem like a bit much, but we have
been preparing for this moment our whole lives, as a family. We aren’t making
it a big deal because we want every thing, every party to be bigger and better,
which, let’s be honest, is kind of our culture in America. Holidays can’t be
celebrated casually between a few friends. There must be crafts and
over-the-top food and drinks. The decorations must be top notch.
This planning, though, is for a different reason. It’s not
about the cultural expectations, or what people will think. It’s not for the
“Ooooo-s” and Aaaah-s.”
This party is for our child’s moment to proclaim what she
has learned, what her foundation is, what Jesus has done and will continue to
do and be in her life. This moment is HUGE, in and of itself.
And it deserves to be celebrated as such!
My thirteen year old is beautiful – inside and out. She is a
precious child of God. I know that every mother of a daughter reading this
feels exactly the same way.
So, I would like to take this moment of her confirmation to
celebrate that fact. More than that, to celebrate the beauty of Christ in her.
Preteen life can be really difficult. Our world is beset
with challenges for every preteen child. Purity is real spiritual and emotional
struggle. Students in these years face questions of identity and independence.
Who am I? What matters to me? Are my values the same as my parents? Years 11-14
may seem like an emotional roller coaster for everyone in the house, if you
have a preteen there. Even from 9 years of age, girls and boys can struggle
with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes. This is normal and
natural, even if it’s not always pleasant.
How can we help them hang on to what matters in these rough
and slightly chaotic years?
First, we can be Christ to them. Whether they are our own
child, or someone else’s. Preteens often feel dismissed, by their peers and
sometimes by the adults around them. They aren’t old enough to be seen,
culturally, as people with valuable opinions. In the church, we can show them
differently though. We can say and act as if they matter. We can strike up
conversations and find out about their interests. We can believe that they have
fun things to share in worship and at LWML and around our tables.
Second, we can make big milestones important. We can hold
them up in honor and say “Look at God working in you!” “How exciting is growing
in the faith? I can see that happening in you!” We can celebrate and hold
banquets and feasts and party.
So, now you can understand why we are getting ready for
confirmation at our house. I want my child to know without a doubt that
confirmation matters. I want her to know that her faith growth is more precious
than jewels, Jesus in her is a priceless gift to be celebrated and acknowledged
and treasured.
My sweet Macee chose Jeremiah 17:7-8 as her confirmation
verse because she loved how it reflected a firm trust in God, with roots
planted deep and God growing her each day of her life. There will be trees and
water and fresh lavender in her decorations and sweet friends to share the day
with. There will be laughter and celebrating and a lot of eating.
This moment is priceless and we will lift it to the Lord,
praising Him, thanking Him, and celebrating His amazing work in our precious
treasure.
Confirmation. A milestone worth celebrating!
Labels: celebrate, children, confirmation, growth, teens
