Tuesday, September 9, 2008

What I Can Do For My Sons

Since my son began his 47 month journey at the United States Military Academy, I have heard and read many statements from him.

"Mom, I have thrown a live grenade."
"Ma, today I went to the gas chamber."
"Madre, (one of his nicknames for me), I flew in a Chinook."

From each one of those sentences I have needed a minute to recover. Those are awkward statements I never expected to read from a child of mine, especially if you knew my background. Being a mom is an adventure even when I'm not the one rappelling down a mountain or firing a rifle. And in the case of my other two OS, motherhood is equally exciting and I'm even not on the football field, or on stage, or kicking the soccer ball or trying to finish a leaf project. OY!

Lately though I've been especially blessed when my oldest OS has reached out and asked me for things. I'm not talking about protein bars and new undies which he has requested and I am happy to send but...

I love the other thing my son has asked for and that is for prayer.

My son had a two minute sparring match in boxing class this week. He was concerned about getting his nose broken. His nose was still sore from the previous class and I guess he likes his nose in the position and shape it's been in for the last 18 years. While talking to him over the phone, my boy asked if I would pray for him. 

Oh it was my privilege to lift my son up to the Lord! And I took the request seriously! We prayed over the phone; my DH and I prayed for him; I asked for prayer for my son on my facebook; we joined hands in prayer around the dinner table. Let me tell ya, that nose was covered in prayer! Nothing or no one was going to mess with that little nose and I'm thrilled to say that my son's beautiful nose is still nice and straight although apparently he jacked up the other guy's neck. I now need to pray for that young man!

Homework is also stressing him out. Last night, we got an email asking for prayer. We again petitioned the Lord to give our son a peace that passes understanding and success in accomplishing all the tasks at hand.

Peter Kreeft, author and professor at Boston College said, "I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers make, and all the people those little prayers were destined to affect, and all the consequences of those prayers down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power or prayer that we would be unable to get up off our knees for the rest of our lives." 

Isn't that an amazing perspective? I have that quote in a special scrapbook I created during a very difficult time in our family. How apropos as I learn to be the mama of a Soldier! I get to pray for my son. NOTHING can stop me. I can't do his homework or block the punches that will come his way, literally and figuratively but this mama, above all else can pray! My boy can rest in knowing that he comes from a praying family no matter the circumstances or distances which separate us. 

It is so good to know that our God considers all prayers important. I am humbled to trust in a Lord who thinks that prayers for my son's nose are as precious as prayers for my friend who is fighting a mighty battle against cancer. I find it incredible that the same God who hears my prayers on behalf of my boy for help with homework is listening also to another mom's prayers for complete healing of her daughter's heart condition.

Praying is a gift that I receive and give freely. In my work, I have spoken to many hurting teenagers. Often I will tell them after hearing their heavy troubles that tonight there will be five people who hold hands around a kitchen table and lift them up to the Lord. And I mean it. 

Who do you know that needs prayer? Extend that priceless privilege to others and let me know if our family can pray for you. 

 

6 comments:

MargieAnn said...

Hi, I have tried to post before but I am not certain if my comment "took" or not - I am learning about this posting and blogging business. I find myself, though, more importantly looking for your posting and blogs each day as I so relate to your insights. I have a cadet at West Point. I took the bag around with me this summer as if I was somehow taking my son along, silly as it might be! I had a wedding anniversary this week, too. I have had calls from my son about boxing and the hard jabs! and about his studies, too. I have not broken my foot I am glad to say, but I do hope that you are healing well now. I have three children, too. Thank you so much for your fine insights and willingness to share and support us all. Prayers for you and yours, and I welcome your prayers for me and mine, too.
Blessings!

MyAwesomeOliveShoots said...

Hi Margie Ann,

I'm so glad you wrote again on my blog! I love how we have so much in common! I really like what you shared, it's wonderful to find another kindred spirit. I will pray for your cadet and all the exciting times they have ahead of them.

Stay Army Strong!

Anonymous said...

What a great post! What a wonderful mystery prayer is! I often find myself wishing that God would show me what Kreeft was talking about--show me just how much prayer changes things--then it would be easier! I know God hears them but in my humanness I want more proof. I know that often He wants to change ME just as much as what I'm praying about.

Keep on praying! This old grad knows prayers sustained him those 4 years. Someday maybe I'll find out just how many prayers paved my way to graduation. God bless the prayer warriors!

Paul B.

Peas on Earth said...

What lucky boys you have. :-) God bless!!

Anonymous said...

Now that I look at these last two posts together, you look like you haven't aged a bit. Amazing. :-)
peas

Marytoo said...

Cindy, I just clicked over here from your newest post. Boy, did this bring back (bad) memories! Micahdet did get his nose broken in boxing, two days after he got his jaw dislocated. I'll never forget those phone calls. Oh, wait, the nose was a phone call. The jaw was a txt msg, because he could not open his jaw enough to talk on the phone.

Happily, he is all better now!