“Out of the mouths of babes.” We tend to use that phrase when small children parrot something profound. We chuckle, but we know that their comprehension of what they said may or may not be there.

I didn’t expect to enjoy parenting middle schoolers so much. I held my breath when my daughter began sixth grade. She just graduated from eighth grade. Boy did she prove me wrong. Parenting two middle schoolers has been pure joy. More fun, even, than parenting them in grade school (although that was pretty great too).

Camille (14) and Soren (12) are sinners just like the rest of us, but what a gift it has been to watch them grow in character, wisdom, and in their relationship with God in middle school.

Recently Soren had an operation on a hernia. He and Angel left early for the hospital. I woke Camille up and we went to school. The whole ride to school (typically a time we are talking), she was writing a text that she wanted Angel to read to Soren before he went into surgery. When we pulled into the drop off area at her school, she asked me to pull into a parking spot so she could finish the text. Only after I got to the hospital did I get to read the words full of rich love and wisdom she sent to her brother.

She wrote:

Hi bruder!

Good morning my handsome brother. I love u sooooo much. I assume that right now u may be a little bit frightened as you sit and wait in suspense. But I want you to remember this verse. If u have to waste the time by memorizing it that could help. Isaiah 41:10 fear not! For I AM with you. Be not dismayed, for I AM your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you, I will uphold u with my righteous right hand.

Soren as you go into surgery do as God calls you to

Do NOT fear

Do NOT be dismayed

Because God has you in his hands and loves you. As you go into surgery remember you will be lying on the palm of Gods righteous right hand. The safest place to be lying in the world. Your body while may be physically in the hands of the surgeons is both physically and spiritually in the hands of the creator of the universe.

That is a wonderful promise.

So listen to the verse, DO NOT be afraid. Because he IS with you. Do not be dismayed because he is your God and he has a plan for you through this surgery. He will give you the strength for this surgery and he will help you through it. And he will do all of it as you rest in the righteous right hand of the creator of the universe. The same hand that created every single star in the galaxy is holding you. Rest in him today through all the pain and anxiety.

He is with you. I will be praying for you all day today.

I love you brochacho!

Camille

Parenting isn’t easy. Parenting is always changing. But there are few gifts that are more rewarding to watch than watching your child grow “in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and with men.”[i]

I would love to hear your stories of the glimpses of wisdom you’ve seen in your children.