Whether you change diapers all day or hold the judge's gavel, we all have our own view of accomplishment.  When the kids were little, my day felt successful if we all made it out of our pajamas by noon!  And it seemed that the more I accomplished, the more my expectations grew.

If you are a task-oriented person, then you will understand my need to cross an item off my list.  It seemed to validate my existence if I could prove I had done something that day.

If you are people-oriented, then you have the upper hand.  Not only are people more important than things, but they are God's choice for learning at the school of life. 

I guess that's why I keep hoping I will find a way to connect with my teenagers.  In this phase of life, success may look to them like the "right" clothes or the "right" hairstyle.    But they'll always need to know in the long run that they are loved for who they are; not for what they can achieve.  Gary Chapman says, "Whatever the category and whatever our view of success, we are more likely to succeed if we are effective lovers of people."  (The Five Love Languages for Singles p. 230) 

Maybe, learning to love each other will prove to be the ultimate success!

I know my son is only 9, but he's gonna be a teen in no time! I feel so distant from the teens nowadays. It's like they're from a different planet. I won't feel that way when my son becomes a teen I hope. You just have to lift your kids up to God everyday! It's so much out there to distract them. The devil is on his job, and we have to be on ours!

Hi Sally,

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog and for leaving such a kind comment!

I see that you have a great blog here. I'll have to come by often!

Smiles,
Michele