I remember thinking I knew it all when I was in high school. I thought I knew myself and everyone else better than they knew themselves. I remember thinking my parents were ridiculous. How could they be soooo dumb? I seriously remember thinking I was smarter than they were and why did I need parents, after all, I could take care of myself. I can laugh about this now and have many times in an effort to get through this time with my young adults.

I have taken on the role of the "dumb parent". My young adults look at my husband and I like we are so "out of touch". How could ANYTHING we have experienced as a teenager be remotely similar to what they are going through now? After all, that was back in the 80's! I feel like I have lost all control of my kids. But, the reality is that they are just spreading their wings and pushing us away in an effort to gain their own identity and independence.

I am continually getting the "OK Mom" and "Are you serious?" from one or the other of them as I try and relate to them. In their minds I am so "old school", so "lamo". My efforts to instruct and/or reprimand are interrupted by lengthy debates by which they intend to get their way. And, I have been known to fall victim to their very hypnotizing methods of persuasion. It's infuriating when you realize that they have pulled one over on you! Nonetheless, I press on in an otherwise successful mode of parenting.

Through the years, I have prayed the same prayer over and over in hope of keeping up with my kids. Much to my kids dismay and unfortunate capture, it works every time. I simply pray "Lord, let me see what I need to see". That's it. It is unbelievable how this simple prayer can make the lives of teenagers so transparent. A word of caution: This prayer will result in your "eyes wide open" and you will see what the Lord wants you to see whether you like it or not and whether you want to deal with it or not. The things that God wants you to see may be scary and always humbling, I can promise you that. A word to the wise: never say "not my kid" because as sure as you do...it is "your kid".

I am forever grateful to my precious Lord for the evidence he has placed in front of me over the years. I have felt God's gentle hand upon my cheek as he turns my head in the right direction. I dare to think of how the lives of my children may have been different had I not had the grace of another set of eyes. God is good and I feel so blessed.

Kids will be kids and they are going to get into things that they shouldn't. They managed to do it at two years of age and they will do it at 15, 17 and 19. As parents we have to put forth the extra effort to stay in step with our kids. I know, we're tired, we're old and they run at a much faster pace. That is why we must seek the help of an extra pair of eyes. God has a much better view from above. And all we have to do is ask!

Live in joy,

Kim