Two Hundred Sixty

Folks, we've got a teenager! I know it's been official for a while, but it's felt like a couple of years now. He's not fancy. Not extraordinary. Leaves well enough alone the things most teenagers get caught up in.

In fact, he's so unlike most of his generation that I'm quite proud to have an outcast for a son.

When I use the term outcast, though, I don't mean he's ridiculed or bullied. He's just a stand apart kind of kid who doesn't have a lot of tolerance for demeaning talk or harsh criticisms toward others.

So, two hundred and sixty. That's what he has to work with now that he can gain independence. Now that he can have enough independence to fall on his face. Or to make it through the next year.

It's not much, but it's his. I could talk and coerce all I want, but in the end this is good exercise for him.

Eighteen is when the government has decided he should be ready to fly the coup. Why would I wait until then to help him spread his wings? It's my job to start driving that wedge, a good and healthy one, between him and myself. And it begins with respect.

Love. Respect. Change. These are the new principles in my life that determine our future with a grown son. He knows it and we know it. And as much time as it's going to take we will start the gradual progression that slides him off the edge of the nest and out into the sky. The big, beautiful world that is waiting for him.

He's got a great start with his optimistic heart. He loves people and enjoys serving others. It's such a joy to watch him flourish as a young man of God.

When the day does come that he departs from our home, I pray he still sees the wisdom in our leadership. After all, what are we focusing on with our children if not everyday we are covering them in truth brought about by our willingness to be led from the One who sits on high?

Ah, the day he realizes I've always done my best to work in his favor as far as my abilities would allow! My son. My young man. My Cody.

His two hundred sixty. *And he'll never let me forget about it!*