Hey Mama Monday: He Will Become A Man Before You Know It

Hey Mama,

Your son. Just noticing how loud he is. Man, he’s a talker. And he sure makes his wants known, doesn’t he. Some call that “whining.” And why is he so scruffed up, sweaty and dusty all the time? His shins are always bruised like apples…what’s going on in your home, hmmm? Oh, and can he eat! That boy can put it away. How on earth do you afford it…

Knock it off, Negative Nelly.

Mama, you wanna know something? That little crackerjack tiger is going to be a man someday. A big strong man who will love you fiercely and who would protect you against anything that dared come against you. He talks a lot because he’s figuring out who he is; his identity is being formed now. He whines at times and expresses himself fully – but that’s because he’ll be a leader someday and he’s discerning … testing his limits. Training is a process, not something that happens magically overnight. In the future his expressions will be eloquent and clear, his requests gracious. He will walk and speak with a confidence that will make your heart swell.

Yeah, he’s sweaty because he’s not afraid of physical activity and hard work. Dirt? It doesn’t phase him. Bruised shins? He doesn’t even notice; all he knows is that he *will* jump over that hurdle, even if it means falling again. As a man, he won’t be sniveling and lazy, afraid of getting his hands dirty. He’s determined. His moves, intentional. Like his dad (and his mama), he will work hard and his family will be his everything. And as you are continuing to plant the word of God into his heart daily, while he is yet tender and young, his great Lord and Savior will be his Everything. Eternally.

Keep walking, Mama. Don’t give up. Yes, he’s a pressure cooker of jacked-up popcorn, ever-going off and not all that well reigned-in. But he’s a work in progress, and ultimately he is the Lord’s business. You plant, God waters and harvests. You pour into him, and reap the blessings later. Your God is so faithful. Rest and let Him do His work.

See that boy? Close your eyes and fast forward a decade or two. See that man? He’s yours now and you’ll be his, then. Those scrawny little arms are the ones that will lift you up in your old age. They won’t be so puny, then. The bruised-up shins will be replaced with the strong, powerful legs that rush to your side, Mama, in that final hour.

Embrace this time. What a gift! God is so faithful. And He is a Rewarder to the faithful Mama who puts Him first. That’s you, Mama. As for today, His hand is on your head. <3 – Gena