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#82, Barbie Dolls, Betsy Byrne, Blog, candy, diabetes, Faith, football, goals, God, Holly Michael, Jake Byrne, New Orleans Saints, NFL, Nick Byrne, Prayer, prayers, type 1 diabetes, Writingstraight.com
An interesting quote from my son Jake is: “Some days, it’d be nice to go back to the days when all I had to worry about was how much candy I was going to get that day. Meaningful words coming from a type 1 diabetic and a rookie with the New Orleans Saints. (Nick on left, Jake on right)
When my daughter Betsy (below) is overwhelmed, she whines, “I want to play Barbies with Jake and Nick.” (In defense of Nick and Jake, though Betsy calls them Barbies, the boys had G.I. Joe figures. Right guys?!)
I’m still keeping Nick’s toys in a tote container in the corner of a room in the basement, though the days are gone when he’d pull out the army dudes and Hotwheels and stretch out on the race car rug.
I miss the days when I was in charge of candy, and a trip to Wal-Mart always meant buying a Barbie outfit and two .77 cent cars. (If the kids were good, which they always were).
Now, Nick is preparing to make a college decision and maybe graduate early.
Betsy is making her final preparations to fly off to London to study for a semester.
Still trying to wrap my mind around all of this. How can I let these babies go off and do big people stuff? I want to give them candy and set them on the race car rug where they belong. But no, they’re playing big people games (like professional football), taking off to new places, and avoiding sugar to stay fit and healthy.
After Jake’s few weeks break between rookie camp and regular season camp, he had to pass a timed fitness test. Not passing meant being cut from the team. I’d really been praying for Jake and was delighted when his text came in that he’d passed.
Later, while at my small neighborhood market, a store employee asked, “How’s the fam?” I reported the good news from Jake. I explained how we’d been praying and how Jake said he felt God was running with him.
The man asked, “Do you think God really cares about this stuff? Like football?” It was not a challenge question, but an inquisitive thought.
My answer: “Sure He does.”
God is within us and beside us on our journey on this earth, and He does care about all that happens in our lives. He’s a loving Father who cares. He’s our Savior who shed blood and died for us. He’s the Holy Spirit that speaks and guides us. He is our Creator, who has a plan and purpose for each of us.
Specifically, does God care about football? Well, although I hope God is a Saints fan, for sure, he’s a Jake, Betsy, Nick and you and me fan. Perhaps He cares more about what Jake does with football. Through playing football, Jake hopes to inspire and encourage young people with diabetes. That’s a worthy cause. I think God cares about that. Type one diabetes is a challenging disease for kids as well as their parents.
God cares about all of us-our dreams and plans-and there’s Grace available to help achieve our God-ordained and God-blessed goals. Hard work and prayers help.
It’s going to be a tough road ahead for Jake as a rookie in the NFL, for Betsy flying off to a foreign country, and for Nick leaving high school and entering college. I’m sure they will each have moments of wishing all they had to worry about was candy and what Barbie (ahem…G.I. Joe) was going to wear. Being an adult is tough, It means heard work, pressing on no matter what. But don’t worry, God is with us, running beside us, through it all.
As a Mom, I just need to let go…and remember my kids are big enough and so is their God. More than candy and toys, now they mostly need their mom’s prayers.
It’s hard to let go. My two sons are both in their 40s and have families and I still wish they were here with us! Thanks for the heartfelt blog!
It is Hugh! Thanks for stopping by!
What a beautiful post. It is so scary to imagine our kids doing grown-up things. Sending prayers your way as your children embark on their futures.
Thanks for the prayers. Jake reports that he could really use lots of prayers now as training camp is tough
Reblogged this on 1earthnow and commented:
Holly, God blesses us everyday through your wonderful posts. Please keep sharing, believe me your message is well received. Sometimes we forget that it’s the everyday little things that make a life!
Thanks!!!
Heart touching. God cares about everything I think and do and I’m glad he does. The NFL world is wide open for Jake to be a witness for God and be an advocate for diabetes. He can really make God proud. You are a blessed woman-I’m sure you know. Thanks for blessing me every time you share.
At prayer group someone commented today: When we pray, Jesus is in the next room praying with us. Yep, He cares about the small stuff! Great post.
Oh, the Saints! We have a friend here in Joplin who played for them with Archie Manning. I believe he spent 7 seasons there. He has entertained my son for many hours with his football stories. Beautiful sentiments about how God cares about all we do 🙂
Just got a report from Jake that training camp is quite tough. Praying all goes well for him.
“… my kids are big enough and so is their God….” This is what gives us courage to face their future.
Amen, Gracie!
This is amazing. 🙂 The faith you and your children obviously have is incredible, and it’s something that so many people can learn from. I totally agree the God cares about the little stuff because it’s something we care about and it’s something that he can use to work through us.
Great post.
Thanks Ashley! We need God in all that we do!
Beautiful children,, beautiful thoughts, wonderful God!
Thanks for sharing Holly!
Thanks Glenda, you’re so sweet!!
Definitely hard to let them go – but necessary for them and us. As you say, our God is able in all things.
It’s the most amazing feeling as a mother to watch our kids get older and start spreading their wings. We see them making good decisions and living a happy life and know we must have done something right!
God bless your beautiful family.
Awww, thanks Cindy. They are cuties, and lots of fun. I’m amazed with what is going on in all of there lives, too. Enjoy the time with your kids while there at home…everyone says this, but it goes so fast.
Great answer to his question. God is concerned about the details of our lives no matter how mundane or insignificant they may seem to others.
Thanks Wanda!
I love this line: ‘perhaps he cares more about what Jake does with football’. Definitely. Football is just the vehicle for Jake and his journey. Just like being an author is a vehicle for your journey. It’s all about how we handle it, handle ourselves.
Your post brought to mind all those athletes who struggle with decisions and ultimately make the wrong choices. All because of fame, fortune, pressure to be the best.
God totally cares about how we handle the gifts we’re given.
Good luck to Jake, although I have to say, I’m a Patriots fan. I won’t hold it against him 😉
The patriots had flown him out, showing interest before the draft. I’d hoped he would get on that team…but it’s also fun to be the mother of a “saint”. Thanks for stopping by!
Such good-looking kids! Letting go is perhaps one of the hardest things parents have to do– especially if the babies are so adorable when young and also when all grown up. All the best for your son, hope he does well and achieves all his dreams.
Thanks Damyanti! And thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful, beautiful post, Holly.
As life here under this roof all at once feels to be picking-up speed, and my own four children are heading off to destinations far and wide, I especially love this treasure of a line and need to recite it often:
“I just need to let go…and remember my kids are big enough and so is their God.”
Your children are remarkable!
Aw, thanks Barbara. We must give them to God. Our prayers go with them.
My kids are at the leaving-home stage, too. Our youngest moves away in two weeks. Lovely post, Holly.
thanks Lori! Thanks for stopping by. It’s never easy, is it.
Holly, I am so glad you came visiting today. Why? Because it caused me to come to see who you are, and you are inspirational! Thank you for your honest and open writing about your family and your faith in God. This is so refreshing! ~ Lynda
Lynda, thank you! I also enjoyed your blog today too and look forward to more posts from you. Thanks for coming by.
Lynda, I grew up on a farm. Gotta love farm life.
I do, even if it is only on an acre! (I am surrounded by pastures and farmland which makes it seem like more.) Gardens, geese, guineas, chickens and all the care that goes with them make me feel fulfilled! ~ L
Amen! Love this! ❤
Thanks Meri! and thanks for the RT!
Love love love this.
Thanks! Have a great day!
Love this post. Melts my mommy heart. 🙂
Thanks! And thanks for coming by!
Wow. A very thought provoking post. I can relate, my babies now have babies and every day, in a look or an action, I see my children in their children and my mind wanders back to the early days. It’s very hard letting go. 🙂
Yes it is Doug. Thanks for stopping by.