Dear old golden rule days

Where does the time go?

I went and registered Jack this morning for the next 13 years of his life. It seems like just yesterday I was rocking him to sleep, whispering in his ear of the future that lies ahead of him.

And now, here the future is knocking, no, banging on our door. I can't believe my baby boy is heading off to all-day, every-day school next year. I tell ya, it is breaking this poor mama's heart.

I was signing all the papers this morning in the school reception area, listening to the kids playing in the restrooms, watching them line-up down the hall, looking at the various art projects teachers had plastered to the walls outside their classrooms...and on came the tears.

Don't misunderstand me - I am so excited for Jack and am anxious to see as he takes this next step towards manhood, all the things God has in store for him. But man, how it can make a person feel old. And it's not only that, but it's also the fact that you start to question your parenting skills: Did I teach him everything he needs to know - like how to obey and be respectful? Did I teach him right from wrong? Did I spend enough quality time with him while he was within my soul care?

I'm sure the answer to that last question is a resounding "NO!", because I don't ever think one can spend enough time with their kids; because before you know it they are grown teenagers wanting to hang out with their friends, and then it's off to college where they may meet the love of their life and eventually marry said person, and then they have kids of their own - All the while, you remain at home wondering if you raised them to the best of your ability.