I remember thinking that when my first daughter turned 13. She was always compliant, obedient, wanted to please, and then—boom—just like that, it all changed. All of a sudden we went from being the smartest parents in the world to the dumbest. It happened with all four of my kids, and I actually thought that I was a terrible parent for “allowing” this to happen. Is this normal behavior? I’m not sure, but it does happen a lot. The great news is, once they get married and have kids of their own, we get smart again. Lessons? First, God uses this in both of our lives for His good. Secondly, it helps us practice unconditional love. Thirdly, trust God for the outcome. After all, He controls it all.

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