Raising boys is not for the faint of heart. I am still not sure why the Lord chose me to be a Mother to these future men. I am raising boys that one day will be men of God, have strong spirits and a strong convictions in what they believe. But until that day when they can stand and give their testimony, I am the mother trying to keep the strong spirits under control. I am the Mother you will hear about in the “stories” from Godly men, of what they put their mother through. Yes, we had one of those mornings this last week. Anger flared, hormones were flying, and yes there was some physical contact that left two of the boys with red marks on their face (their doing to each other). These are the days I want to run and hide.Just the day before I was sitting with some parents watching our children practice soccer, they were in need of a coach (one had not been assigned to this team yet). One mother was teasing me and said, “Why don’t you coach soccer?” First when I got over my shock, I said, “because if they were my team, my only concern would be if they looked good while running up and down the field.” You see I am a girly girl, my brother and sister may not agree, but as I am becoming deeper and deeper into raising boys I am finding out that yes I am a girly girl who God gave all boys.
God is faithful though, he gives me patience when I want to explode, and has me stay and “instruct” when in reality I want run and close my door. As my oldest son matches me in height, and the voices are changing, the hormones are flying, I still see the wonderful men they will be one day. Since they have been small my faithful prayer has been, “Father if you are going to make them this much of a challenge to me, please take these boys and turn them into great men of God, for then I will be satisfied with whatever comes my way.”
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I have two boys matching me in height. I can relate so much to your post. My husband is a soccer coach and he/we understand testerone! ha
He has a new book coming out in June (Bethany House), “No More Jellyfish, Chickens or Wimps” and it is on raising courageous kids in a nice world.
We just went to Focus on Family and did a radio show with Dr. Dobson and told him how helpful his “Raising Boys” book was. I’m sure you have read.
Our boys have learned to pray for courage. It’s too easy for boys to wimp out in today’s day.
Sounds like they have a great Father too.
Thanks for the post!
I love that you accept God’s patience with your kids. I usually only see that it was sitting there for me to use after I’ve blown my top.
But I’m praying the same prayer(allbeit slightly altered) that my kids will be HIS, despite this job I’m doing. And I have faith like a mustard seed…
My son is 3 years old. I have learned after having 2 daughters that boys are very different and special. I love having my man=child but oy…it is DIFFERENT!
God knew what He was doing Laurel when He gave you boys! Your faith in Him will produce strong Christian men!
btw…glad you submitted! I know it will be beautiful.
I am quite a bit taller than my two boys and I still say it isn’t for the faint of heart. I’m with Shalee too. I blow up first and find patience later. I need to hunt it down before I’ve lost my cool (which I swear is about 100 times a day, or maybe 100 times already today). I’m in the process of reading “Raising Boys” by Dr. Dobson, and I think I better start speed reading.
I echo that prayer for my one boy!
Being the mother of two daughters and no sons, I have to stop and remind myself you are the only female in a house full of males. I honestly always thought I was blessed to have daughters because that’s exactly what I wanted - two girls. Now that I have a grandson, I have no idea what I was thinking. I pray for him exactly the same way you pray for your sons. He’s so little but already I look at him and picture the man he will be some day.
Oh I so know what you are talking about. My youngest son is 6ft 4 and I had no brothers! When my friend had her 4th son years ago, an elderly friend visited her at the maternity home and patted her hand and said, never mind dear, mothers of 4 boys go straight to heaven. The doors open automatically. We still laugh at that one after 17 years!
Wait at minute; I was told it was 3 boys for an advance ticket to heaven. LoL.
But seriously I don’t miss science fair projects requiring water and electricity. “But mom, it was just a little short circuit.” Didn’t they realize they could die or at least get burned?
Laurel- I totally have a nervous stomach now. What a great post! I have one son and another on the way and, *sigh* I need to finish reading “bringing up boys” by James Dobson. You just scared me…a little…
How can I (a woman) raise men? AAAhhh!
Another mom of just sons here! You are so right, WHAT a challenge, but what an amazing and humbling privilege as well! I have had so many days just like the one you described, plus those just plain funny experiences where my husband has to say, “Poor Mommy. She’s alone, the only girl with all these gross boys.” (usually those are the times where a good deal of potty humor and bodily noises are featured prominently).
I often pray that verse from Isaiah for my sons: “All your sons will be taught by the Lord and great will be your children’s peace.” Do it, Lord!
I always wanted 6 children until I was pregnant for 2 years with exception of 5 weeks. My husband has always wanted two children–Honey, just enough to replace ourselves. He is very world population conscious.
I told him we would keep going until we had a little girl, the first one was a son.
The second one came out screaming and kicking after a 3 day labor–(By the way no drugs to help ease the pain. I still can’t believe I did that 2X’s in 11 months–NO EPIDURAL–I don’t care if my pelvis can only deliver a baby 7-8 pounds comfortably–No Drugs.) Both babies were 10 pounds.
The first thing my husband said to me was ‘Mom–I love you…its a girl–We are done.
I was so tired that I didn’t care. My population conscious husband I think was relieved.
My son and daughter have both lapped me in height (I am 5′8″) and the jury is still out as to which is easier.
My son (14) has issues with heat…Mom I forgot to use a hot pad when taking the rolls out of the convential oven.
My Daughter (13)laughs at her brother but can’t seem to remember to take phone messages.
Enjoy these times Ladies…I know in my heart or hearts that I will miss my brood terribly when they are off in college and I have a full refridgerator again.
Have a great day all.
Laurel, a couple of years ago I destroyed all my old journals. They were filled with a Mother’s heart-felt emotions while raising two boys. I didn’t think anyone needed to read them when I am gone. There were days…just like the one you have described.
But now….they are two of the finest young men I know. They are amazing husbands and fathers. One is astoundingly successful in the business world, the other a Pastor. They are both men of God. When other people ask me what we did to raise such wonderful men I just say “God’s grace”. I can still lie in bed at night and weep over the dreadful mistakes I made. Somehow, God’s grace filled in those places. He seems to honor the desires of our hearts and be very forgiving of our weaknesses. He raises Godly men. He does a terrific job. He only asks our faithfulness.
Your blog is beautiful by the way!
As the mom of two (gulp) teenage boys whom I pray will be the men God desire them to be. I can oh so relate! My 16yo is 6′3″ (taller than my husband at 6′) and my soon to be 15 yo is 5′9″ … I always tell them, it doesn’t matter how tall you are, “I am still the Mom!” You are headed in the right direction during these teenage years … prayer, prayer and more prayer! LOL! I had my daughter first … and they are so different! But my sons say they will take care of me in my old age, my daughter never mentions it! LOL!