I Love You Enough

This post came to mind yesterday and on into today.  In working with children and teens throughout various school and church activities, I am fortunate and sometimes unfortunate to be faced with different challenges in dealing with them, their moods, and their attitudes.  And, of course, being a mom of my own four children, I also work with each of their very different personalities, while striving to teach them and raise them up in the Lord.  I dedicate this post to my children - Lauren, Zachary, Jacob, and Tyler - whom I love with all my heart.

I Love You Enough

I love you enough to tell you no,

Even when it's not what you want to hear.

I love you enough to tell you yes,

When it's something you question that I know will be good for you.

I love you enough to discipline you,

And I pray that you will always respect me for that.

I love you enough to not give in,

Even if you were to say, "Everyone else is doing it".

I love you enough to keep check on you,

And not assume you would never do wrong.

I love you enough to not bribe you,

Even though sometimes it may be tempting to do so.

I love you enough to not give you everything you want,

But give you only what you truly need.

I love you enough to set limits,

Even if you don't always understand the "why" behind them.

I love you enough to set boundaries and rules,

And not let you go into dangerous territory.

I love you enough to let you make more decisions as you grow and mature,

Those decisions will help you deal with life as an adult.

I love you enough to set high expectations for you,

Such as in the way you treat me, your dad, each other and others around you.

I love you enough to teach you manners,

And expect you to use them.

I love you enough to give you your space,

And not try to micro-manage your life.

I love you enough to let you be you,

And not try to make you what I think you should be.

I love you enough to teach you about God and Jesus,

And pray that you see both of them in me.

I love you enough to take you to Bible classes and worship,

And not let things in the world come before God and Jesus.

I love you enough to read the Bible with you and pray with you,

And not leave it to Bible class teachers, the youth minister, or the preacher.

And finally, I love you enough to let you go - little by little -
Knowing that you are growing into what God want you to be.