Sorry, Dear Reader, I know that may be a bit too philosophical and figurative. If you've ever spent ten minutes with a tweenager, though, you know what I'm talking about. Sometimes, them trying to grow up makes you want to throw up. "Stretching their autonomous wings"? That's code for being defiant/belligerent. "Limp and wet"? Social skills and common sense don't keep up with growing rebelliousness.

Over the last several weeks, my marvelous redhead had been making more and more good decisions. Being as thick as thieves, she eventually started dragging her BFF along with her. I couldn't tell them enough how proud I am of them.
Most adults know, change frequently isn't easy. If you're in middle school, and you are trying to change from party central to scholar, not everyone is going to be happy about it.
Part of the frustration with my partners in crime had been the potential I had glimpsed in them, potential that seemed to be deliberately wasted. Now, they too, were beginning to see their own potential and possibilities. Their wings were starting to dry.
Learning to fly in the storm of simultaneous peer pressure and resistance, they hesitantly came to me. They wanted quiet and security to work on their assignment. Looking like the scholars they are becoming, they worked for a while, then looked at me.
"Mrs. Walters, why do our friends act like they're mad at us? We didn't do anything to them?"

Instead, we talked about change and expectations, you know, teacher talk. Sighs slipped from each of them, and they went back to work. Their wings had dried and strengthened a little more.
How often do challenges make us long for shelter and comfort? Maybe it's a deadline at work, or a new coworker. Perhaps it's a teenage driver in the house, or a basketball injury that sidelined your resident athlete. Or the real biggies, death of a loved one or a relationship. Where do you run?

- "I was very worried and upset, but you comforted me and made me happy!" (Psalm 94:19)
- "He always remembered his agreement, and because of his faithful love, he comforted them." (Psalm 106:45)
- "You comfort me in my suffering, because your promise gives me new life." (Psalm 119:50)
- "Now comfort me with your faithful love, as you promised." (Psalm 119:76)