For Such a Time as This

I got to work check-in at prom on Saturday night (hence the cheesy purple scarf that was part of my “flight attendant” dress code) and see everyone all dressed up and excited for a fun evening.

Somehow in the midst of it, I missed my own kids coming through. I texted them and told them I hoped they had a wonderful time and I was sorry I missed them during check-in.

A few minutes later I got this sweet picture when they came back to find me. I may have cried some weepy mom tears just moments before we snapped this pic!

It struck me as I saw all of these kids dressed up for a night of fun that there is so much that is going on behind the smiles and beautiful dresses.

Some kids are struggling with feelings of inadequacy.

Some kids escaped the fighting at home for a few hours.

Some kids are dating, some wish they were, and some are content with spending time with friends.

Some kids made new friends.

Some kids were all alone in the midst of so many.

Some kids are battling mental illness that seems to have a tight grip.

Some kids are wondering what they will do after graduation, while others can’t think past an upcoming test.

For some, this night was an escape from reality and a little bit of childhood restored.

For others, this night highlighted insecurities and loneliness.

I am thankful for the organizers that make amazing nights like this happen.

I am thankful for a prayer team that was covering these kids in prayer.

Being a parent to teens and young adults is a whole new season of worry and doubt and different kinds of struggles.

I am thankful I get to be a part of praying for and serving these kids as they grow and learn.

Even in the hard times.

Even in the moments that literally bring me to my knees, I know that God has prepared us for such a time as this.

(I’ll dump a whole bunch of really cool prom pics in my Instagram Stories if you like that sort of thing These “unsocialized homeschoolers” have quite a fun night!)