Lauren is now an official Provo resident! She is all moved into Raintree Apartments just up the street from the BYU football stadium. Much to the delight of her new boyfriend Devin, who is a season ticket holder. (Devin is an RM from our ward. They have been dating 4-5-6 times a week this summer and having a blast. He is living here in So. Jo. attending the U.)
I am so excited for Lauren in this new phase of her life! She says everyone keeps telling her that, and recounting their fond memories of their college years... she doesn't see it. She wants to live at home, go to the community college and work (and date Devin). I told her this is her "mission". (I think she will be married before she is 21 and I want her to live on her own before that time.)
A good friend of mine (coincidentally, Devin's mom) once told me, "The Lord sends our boys on missions to give them experiences we, as Moms, wouldn't let them have." What a wise woman! She knows we are too protective of our kids to let them live and tract in dangerous neighborhoods, talk to strangers, and eat top ramen (or worse).
When Lauren first started to walk, she fell. I could have carried her around and saved her the bumps and bruises. Now she runs, jumps, and flips. When she was in 2nd grade she couldn't fix her own hair. I could have styled her hair through high school. Now she fixes mine. When she was in 6th grade she had the hardest teacher in the school. I could have transfered her to the "fun" teacher. Now she has excellent study skills and a love for history. (Mrs. Long's passion.) When she was a sophomore she didn't play any varsity time. Many of her friends in the same situation, quit the volleyball team. I could have encouraged her to quit and have more free time. Now she has an MVP and 1st team All-region awards on her shelf. Lauren doesn't want to move into an apartment, ride the bus to school, and work on the school computers. (All her friends have cars & laptops.) I hope when we look back we will have a happy ending to this growth experience.
I see so many Moms sheltering, protecting, and pampering their kids. Then they throw them to into the world unprepared to handle life standing on their own feet. Some of her roommates have never done laundry, cleaned a bathroom, cooked a meal, or handled their own finances. Looking back, I guess my advice to all you younger moms.... LET THEM STRUGGLE. Maybe that is why we are supposed to have lots of kids, we are so protective of the first, then we learn to let go, stand back, and relax a bit.
Just like weight lifting strengthens muscles, trials strengthen us. That is the Lord's plan.
