Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5

Thursday, April 26, 2012

No Greater Joy

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4

This morning I am stuck in the middle of emotions.

I spent some time crying-with compassion-for a dear friend who is going to need to investigate some things and have a really tough talk with her son.

I spent some time rejoicing. Feeling so beyond blessed I don't know what to do with myself. 
 Unfortunately the reason I am stuck between the two is because the cause of my rejoicing is also the cause of 
my sweet friend's pain.

I can not boast that my 14 year old son always walks in the truth. 
I can not promise that he always will-not even tomorrow.
But today..this very day..
I have no greater joy than to hear him tell me, in his own words, that he is making choices to walk in the truth.

He had to make a really hard decision to come to me and reveal what this friend's son shared with him. 
He made a hard choice to admit he doesn't want to "hang out" with him anymore because he feels the pressure to be involved in bad things is getting worse and worse. He explained in his own words that a little yeast works through the whole dough. 
(Galatians 5:9)
He told me he is concerned that this boy is involved in things he shouldn't be and hiding it from his parents. 
He tried to tell this friend these things were wrong in a friendly (boy kinda love) way. 
He admitted that he knows I'm going to have to tell the Mom and that the friend will be really mad-but he took that step anyway and I could tell he was doing it for his friend's good.

Making the phone call to my friend was horrible. I didn't want to be the one to reveal the information but I knew if it were my son I would want to know. 
 And so today I am stuck between emotions.
I hurt for her, will pray for her and her son, and am so thankful she accepted the conversation gracefully.

And I will continue to rejoice! 
God is doing something amazing in my 14 year old son. Something I think is unusual and yet wonderful! The Holy Spirit is working in His maturing heart and helping him resist temptation. He is taking steps to shelter himself now-and protect his own ears and eyes from what he thinks he shouldn't be exposed to .

Praise be to God! 
I have found no greater joy!  
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I hope and pray that this post encourages you to
"not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9 
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5 comments:

  1. Yes I have been right where you are! My 14 year old is such a good boy also and has to say no to a lot of friendships as they get older. I know it is a though thing. You did the right thing I always would want to know if my kids were doing something foolish.

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  2. Tesha...too bad we are on opposite sides of the country! Maybe our 14 year old sons would get along well!

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  3. That IS a tough spot to be in! I'm rejoicing with you and also praying for your son's friend and his mother.

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  4. It would be for me. :) My mom has short hair. But I would probably share with my 3 girls on occasion. :)

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    1. oops! I obviously don't know how to post under a particular blog post. ;) sorry!

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