(Photograph by Edwin Redrino)
In one of our light moments the past weekend, my daughter came up with a brilliant realization about her soon becoming an official adult. She’s turning 18 in March. She said to me in jest:
“Mom, I realized that when I turn 18, I will be old enough to get married, be put in jail, and I will not be covered by the Child Protection Program anymore!” J
Nyahahahaha!!! J
We had a lengthy laughing session after that statement was made and discussed all sorts of silly possibilities that an almost-18-year old could imagine. J
But behind the amusement of the moment, I sensed that my daughter was seriously pondering about the new chapter she is going to begin in her life. The expectations and responsibilities that accompany adulthood; the grown-up choices she has to make; and the accountability that follows each one of those choices.
Yesterday, as I listened in the back of the room while she and her young women friends practiced singing “I Walk by Faith,” I felt a sense of peace in my heart. Part of the song goes:
“I walk by faith, a daughter of heav’nly parents.
Divine am I in nature by inheritance.
The Spirit whispers of my mission, my individual worth,
So I seek for precious knowledge, for learning, and for growth.
I understand the meaning of accountability;
Ev’ry choice for good or ill is my responsibility.
I want to build the kingdom and good works is the key.
By doing what I know is right I show integrity.”
(Words and Music by
Focusing on the lyrics of the song, it was a time for me to reflect and hope that I had taught my daughter well enough in all the years that she had been with me as a child, so that as she now enters adulthood she would be ready to face whatever comes her way.
As I looked at her from where I sat, I had confidence that she would be fine as an adult—far better than I had ever been. Because she recognizes who she is, understands her purpose in life, maintains a personal relationship with our Father in Heaven, and knows where she is going—even without the coverage of the Child Protection Program J—and so I felt very proud, in a very good way! J
ang bilis ng panahon… =)
onga, Jan! 🙂
Thanks cherry for popping up , there’s really so many ideas coming to mind sometimes that we are not prepared to think or do , today as I am really lonely it is quite here Anthony is fast asleep , I am not in the mode of reading so I went to the computer nothing for me so I started emailing my children and friends , and there comes you , with your daughters moments pondering about something coming . Oh well I just greet her happy birthday . Where will be the occasion held , it must be pompous Cherry . I wish I will be there . What we will wear gowns ? just joking whatever , we just be grateful time pass by becoming adults is something to think about .May the good Lord bless her with all the nicest things in the world . Love you . Mommy
No, it’s going to be a simple dinner with family and close friends, Mommy Marci! My daughter never wanted to have an extravagant party. She wanted to travel, but given her school schedule, I’m not sure if that will happen in March. Maybe sometime later. 🙂
I think you’re right, time flies and imagine that, I will soon have an adult daughter. Wow! I’m guilty of being childish sometimes and I think she will straighten me up! Haha! 🙂
I hope you’re doing great! 🙂 Love ya!
I think and feel the same way too as a mother of 3 young boys growing so fast. I am always amazed each time they throw me questions about their growing into adulthood. And I hope I am imparting to them enough lessons in life and the gospel so that they would become worthy priesthood holders someday and men of honor that I’ll adore.
Joy, your baby was sleeping on my chest while I listened to that song yesterday! 🙂 I think all three of them would do just fine with you and Dan as their parents. 🙂
I need to listen to that song. I still trying to figure most of that out and I turned 18, a long time ago. I hope one day I will be able to feel I have lead my daughters right and be hopeful about their bright future.
I suppose all mothers feel that way, Syinly. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Here is the link to Janice Kapp Perry’s website: http://www.janicekappperry.com
Very well said. One advantage we have is the fact that our children understands the role they will play in God’s kingdom. We, too, are lucky because the Church teaches us our respective roles, as a parent and as a child.
Greetings!
Thank you so much for you message! I love it.
Ingat,
😉 Rhoy….
lars.a.redrino@myldsmail.net
Ate Che,
I need your help please send inspiring words and messages to my son ELDER REDRINO. His in PHILIPPINES OLONGAPO MISSION.
Thank you.
RED
Thanks, President Santillan. I agree with you. I wouldn’t know how to parent my children without the help of the things I’ve learned from the Church. I am most grateful for being an LDS! 🙂
You’re welcome, Rhoy. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Hmmm… I’m not sure if he would be allowed to read my blog entries, Red. But I’d include him in the distribution list. Thanks for the opportunity to help. 🙂
Hello Cherry!
I feel the same way with you…I have kids who will soon be turning 19 and 17 this year. My son is going on a mission this year…I hope! My daughter will be 17 soon. Yes, time files by so swiftly and the kids grow really fast.
I also love that song! It truly is an inspiration! Aren’t we blessed that we are surrounded wiht talented members who can pen beautiful words like that. I am truly amazed.
BTW, I am here in the Philippines (Baguio) and vacationing for two weeks. I met one of your friends who happened to be a good friend of mine also. Jun B from Baguio. He suggested that we should meet and I love the idea. I told him it would be interesting to see you in person.
Keep on inspiring me. You are turly talented!
I agree, Cynthia. Being members of the Church, we are blessed to have people around us who make life more meaningful and leaders who guide us along the way. 🙂
I would love to meet up with you! I’d send you my celfone number privately so we could communicate. 🙂 See you soon! 🙂
Yah!!! time realy flies I had 4 grand children now, and my only daughter is now 20yrs old soon she’ll be 21, she’s planning on going on a mission. This somewhat makes me confident that her faith in the church is strong however I should not be too compleisant, I should be on guard always
because the other forces is also working hundred times for someone to be on their hook. I can say that having a daughter (especially if it’s one and only) is like having a precious gem where in you’re always paranoid that someone might stole it anytime. I don’t like the thought that someday she’ll be in love and get married if I can only change the plan, that is not allowing only daughter to get married but that’s selfishness and cruelty…..I know….. well…..I guess that’s the truth that I should be learning to accept by now….right??????
As for Jessica….. yes… time realy flies ’cause it’s still far away from my mind that soon she’ll be young single adult…. well….that’s the process of live and it’s enivitable let’s just enjoy every moment of it….take care…hope to chat with you in person soon…lots of love from us…
That’s right, Vivian. I think us moms should learn to let go of our babies at the right time. 🙂 I know it can sometimes be hard, but as you said, it is the proper thing to do. 🙂
Indeed a very good and an eye opening story for me. There is really a sure protection as we parents allow our kids to grow and be nurtured in the Lord’s way ; that is being involved in the activities of the church and in making our homes , the kind Heavenly Father wants it to be.
If we train our kids in the way they should go, we will have less worries by the time they enter adulthood. Most likely they will make choices that are right that will make us proud of them.
Thanks for your insight, Irene. 🙂
Hi t’cherry…
talaga? Jes is turning 18 na?! it seems like ur just a year ahead of her ah… =) no joke…
musta na po kayo?
thanks for your inspiring messages. ope u say more about motherhood.love it! nkakarelate na ako…baka paggising ko one day, 18 na rin si Eah ko…
thanks! ingat po kayo lagi. regards to yor wonderful kids.
Thanks, Xandie! 🙂 And you’re right! How time flies! Before you know it Eah would be having her own kids and you’d be a grandma! Haha! 😀 I’ll try to share more of my motherhood adventures in the future. Thanks for dropping by.