Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by The Smetz Files
Life lessons sometimes come the hard way.
My tween son has faced some harsh realities this week.
And the truth is, his developing tween heart and mind have handled them with grace.
I, as the adult, have had to fight the urge to respond to the challenges with a sharply worded retort.
But not him.
Sometimes life isn’t fair.
He quietly reminded me, sometimes life isn’t fair.
Sage words from my middle schooler.
A kid who is kind and genuine. A kid who sees others and offers a comforting word. A kid who puts good into the world without expecting goodness in return. A kid who extends God’s grace in his day to day being.
Humbling responsibility
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, I’m grounded by the goodness of my first born. The one who called me Mom first.
Our little family is my greatest gift. Being their mom is the one thing I don’t want to get wrong.
I’m humbled by the responsibility of raising kind kids in a world that can be unkind.
I pray for their health, happiness, and safety every day. This week I prayed especially for his heart.
Tonight he went to dinner and devotions with other teens. We walked to the house hosting tonight’s small group. As we walked he talked about incredible plays he saw from last night’s baseball highlights. We talked about the upcoming conference tournaments for college baseball and softball. There was a lightness in his voice.
Perhaps it was the relief of being one week closer to summer break.
Regardless, I’m glad his heart seems to have survived the recent disappointment and challenges. I quietly wonder if mine will.
A Mother’s job
May you continue to grow in wisdom, and in stature, and in divine and human favor.
Luke 2:52
Here’s to the moms who do the hard work. Not just the day to day minutia. That’s important and admirable. But the work of protecting their hearts. Holding their goodness close. Praying for their health, happiness, and safety as often as you breathe.
Happy Mother’s Day.
