Monday Dec 2nd

Adolescence..... whats that about then eh?     I've got one pre-teen on my hands at the moment who is teetering on the edge of adolescence and I can sense ten years of non stop stropping and tears and tantrums ahead!!   ( and that's just from me! )

I know the theory - I know that adolescence is about finding ones own way in that transition period between childhood and adulthood.  Its about taking risks and making mistakes.  Its about testing boundaries and asserting ones independence and individuality.   But it is  very tiring and annoying to have to live with.   If anyone has any tips as to how I can survive the next few years they will all be gladly received.


Pondering the whole thing yesterday I got to thinking about the church.   And how adolescent we can be at times.   God calls us to grow up, to be mature, to leave aside the bread and milk and put away childish things... but the journey to maturity can sometimes be stormy and difficult.    In our family at the moment each individual is doing fine, but when we come together sparks fly.   The boys are very competitive with one another.  And somewhat impatient.  There is a constant jockeying for position.  And comparing.  ( sound familiar?)   We as parents lose patience way too quickly.   We dont like the discomfort and disruption which comes when our children challenge us , willfully disobey us and dont listen.   We often resort to yelling and laying down the law instead of  trying to understand.

I think some of our churches are like that  :)

It's hard being family.  If everything is going to plan then we will always be in a place of transition from one phase of family life to the next.   I have sadly witnessed churches splitting because the older generation found it impossible to make way for the younger - or because the younger were brash and impatient and competitive...... adolescent in fact.

On a personal level I find myself way too often reacting and responding to people and things like ' Kevin the teenager'.    ( couple of swear words in this clip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLuEY6jN6gY

Lord, despite the fact that the church has been around for 2000 years, sometimes we still act like teenagers.   We argue and strop, we sulk and storm.  We can be impatient and difficult, competitive and intolerant - as individuals and as congregations and communities.   Please help us to grow up well.  Thank you that you know exactly what it is like to negotiate adolescence.   Help our teenagers to make it out the other side.  Give parents and leaders the grace and wisdom to know how to steer and guide.  Bring us to maturity of faith and of character as we wait for Your return.