Embracing the In-Between

I had to fight back tears yesterday. My husband and I were talking about possibly letting our 15 year old son ride his bike a mile down the road where he works as an apprentice. There are days that it would be nice for him to have his own transportation. There are days when I can’t take him or pick him up. We talked about the possibilities and like any good father my husband also pointed out some of the risks.

Elisabeth has some big boots to fill.

Elisabeth has some big boots to fill.

I cried… just a little. I mean do I have to let my little boy grow up? He wants to start taking driver’s ed. If I’m afraid of his riding his bike down the road will I be able to handle him driving? 

Then I looked over at my baby that has just started walking this past week. I asked my husband, “Why do we even teach them how to walk? Before you know it they want to drive.” And my heart aches.

I  just read a book entitled “In Between” by Jeff Goins. He talks about treasuring the moments of waiting. The moments in-between now and the next big thing. Then I realized…I am there right now.

This is my “In-Between” moment. I’m in-between milestones. In-between stages of my children’s development. 

One child just started walking. One is about to start driving. And I can only stand here and watch as all this happens around me. 

I cannot slow down time.

My husband tells me that all of this independence and growth is a good thing.

I hear what he says. I know he is right… But… It is so hard to let go. 

The-In-Between-211x300

I must let go though. No more worrying over the inevitable growth that must happen. Instead I will embrace these moments in my children’s lives.

I am blessed to be able to watch them turn into the fine young men and women God has designed them to be.

How about you? Are you at an In-Between moment in your life?  Please share with us in the comments.

I highly recommend you read In-Between.  Learn more about it at InBetweenBook.com

 

~♥~ Anastacia ~♥~

Share

About Anastacia Maness

Anastacia Maness is a preacher's wife, homeschooling mother of 6 blessings, and writer. When she's not busy counting her blessings she's writing about them right here on her blog, encouraging and strengthening families.

21 Replies to “Embracing the In-Between”

  1. Elizabeth Young

    Truly a gift that I took a few moments to read this piece Anastasia. You are a gifted writer and I am grateful to have you in my writing circle.

    Reply
  2. Lorna_Faith

    Anastacia, thanks so much for being so real with your raw ‘mom’ moments. It is hard to see our kids, who it seems like it was just yesterday that we held them in our arms, grow up and be ready to start going about everywhere on their own. With 4 teenagers…14 to 19, I’ve been learning to let go…1 at a time. There have been so many times when I’ve felt so sad that they are growing up so quickly…so I totally relate. So glad you are embracing the in-between moments too…I’m still learning to do that 🙂

    Reply
  3. Anne Peterson

    Love it Anastacia! You captured it well. All of us are In-Between. And it may look different, but it’s the same feelings, the same challenges. Loved your illustrations as well as your transparency. Great job.

    Reply
  4. Christa Sterken

    Your transparency struck a cord with me today. I appreciate your love so much for your family. My oldest has an apprenticeship too this summer. It is only a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute bike ride. I went both of the two ways to check them out. One, a secluded (read, no one might hear her if trouble) ride through country where people drive crazy on country roads. The other a main street with heavy fast traffic and no sidewalk. I amnot always here to take her. My mother’s heart said “Oh no, it isn’t safe. What if….My baby…” My husband said, “It is time, it is good…”

    Reply
    • Anastacia Maness

      Ah, yes. We are going through the same season, Christa. I’m sure we’ll look back over these moments from the other side and realize it was good. But in the mean time it is so hard.

      Reply
  5. kathunsworth

    I love this comparison, oh how we have to cut the strings and it hurts to do it and yet we must. Beautiful piece I felt your pain and know I will go through the same issues with my children. They will always challenge us and that is how we learn to be the best we can be.

    Reply
  6. Pingback: i wasn’t planning to read “the in-between”

  7. CarolOCasey

    I’ll never forget when my first child drove off down the gravel driveway to work in her little car–alone! What a bittersweet feeling. Happy for her and her new level of independence, yet a sadness in my heart (that was now in my throat) as began to let my child go. Well, ten years later, I am happy to say that this independent daughter has survived–and thrived. College. A semester in China. Two and half years in Thailand in the Peace Corps. Climbed th Himalayas. God is good. 🙂

    Reply
    • Anastacia Maness

      Carol, your experience in letting your daughter grow up is very encouraging. What a blessing to be able to look over your daughter’s life and see all that she’s accomplished. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  8. Dave Arnold

    Good post! I have a 3 yr old & he’s growing up so fast. It seems sooo long ago when we first brought him home from the hospital. Jeff’s book is great – a much-needed message. God bless!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge