Austin

Ok I have to take some time to brag big time on my son. Oh sure, everyone thinks their son is great, but honestly, I did get so stinkin' lucky when it comes to boys. He's amazing in my book.

As most of you know, he gets confirmed in 10 days, so this week and next, he is busy at the church with requirements and obligations that lead up to the big day. Last night he had to have his pre-confirmation meeting with 2 of the deacons at our church. It was requested that both parents attend, but Ashley had a track meet (first one of the season for her that hasn't been rained out), so Jay went to that and I went to the meeting with Austin.

The deacons were great. They let him know right off the bat that this was not meant to be a scary thing, and was to be very relaxed and informal. Their job was to be sure he really understood what step he was taking in his faith in regards to getting confirmed, and to be sure he was sincere in his wish to take this step. Each potential confirmand is required to write a Statement of Faith, which talks about what faith means to them, and what being a member of our church and denomination means to them and how it pertains to their life now, as well as in the future. A pretty daunting task to me...I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been excited to have to do that at age 14.

The first thing the deacons did was to have Austin read his Statement of Faith. I had never read/heard it before and I was so impressed. Austin is a lot like his dad in so many ways, including his relationship with Christ. For Jay, it's a very deep personal relationship and he is pretty private in it. As he explained to me "I don't discuss the personal aspects of our marital relationship with anyone else because that is private and special to me, and that's how I feel about the Lord too." Jay is not one to openly pray (at least not in front of anyone), and to some, it may appear he has no Christian relationship. But when he and I have talked or when he has talked with our kids, I hear it and I know it's there and he's passionate about it. When listening to Austin read, I heard the same thing from him. He's got such a great understanding about God's love for him.

One of the deacons asked: You said in your statement that being a member of the church gave you advantages over others who are not. How do you mean that?" Austin said "Well, what I mean is that by being a member of this church, it's like being a member of a community. I know if I need help or guidance, I don't just have my parents, grandparents and mentor to go to for help, but I have a whole community praying for me and who are there for me, and that makes me lucky. Those who don't go to church are missing out on that."

The last line in Austin's statement was "I am happy to know that I'll always be a child of God." A deacon asked "Why are you so happy about that?" Sounded like a trick question to me....LOL. Austin said "My mom is always saying 'Austin promise me that no matter what you'll always be my baby' (insert giggles and laughter from the deacons and blushing from me). But I know that someday, I'll grow up and move out and I may not live near here so I won't see my mom or dad every day. I can't count on them to help me through every single thing I run into, because I'll be an adult and will have to learn responsibilities on my own. But, with God, no matter how old I'll get, I'll always be his child. And it's cool to know I won't have to deal with all responsibilities all on my own. He'll always be right there beside me no matter where I am or what I'm doing. I can talk to him and he'll help me. Like a best friend would. So, that's why I'm really happy to be God's child too."

I have to be honest and say that I sat there looking at this boy on the verge of becoming a man and I know he "gets it". I know that he has that same deep personal relationship that we have prayed he would have. He's private about it, just like his dad, but as long as it's there, I'm ok with that.

About that time the Pastor came in and said to the deacons "Ah, I see you're talking with Austin. Enjoy this time with him. He's a great kid and he's got wonderful wisdom already for his young age. Mom, you should be very proud of him. I know we are." Yep, my chest swelled with pride. Yes I am VERY proud of him, as I am of all my children. And I know he's got an amazing future ahead of him and I'm going to enjoy watching as much of it as possible.

When we were finished, the deacons shook Austin's hand and said "Congratulations. We believe you are more than ready to confirm your faith."

I walked out of the church looking at him as almost more of a man until he said something that reminded me he was still a boy: "Yes! I passed! SCORE!!!"

That's my boy. LOL