I had a few thoughts on Sunday evening that I have pondered and wanted to share.

For the last 15 years, Christmas Eve has been spent with our dear friends Adam and Kenice Whitaker. We have gathered together, had dinner, played the left/right game and had many laughs.

Over the years, as expected, our families have changed a lot. We started with 7 kids between us. As I sat and watched this year, 2017, I noticed we have grown to a family group of 32.

While pondering the group all around me, I realized that we were the parents of the group. We were the “old” people. I was watching the married kids talking and laughing about silly stuff. I remember when we were the silly laughing group.

This time, we were just the observers of the conversation. Of course, we were still having fun, included, laughing and talking but the next generation had become the center.

I am not sure if I am saying this correctly but I guess I realized that some of my children are adults. They have full lives that don’t revolve around me anymore. More and more I am trying to revolve around them. I am trying my best to still be an important part of their lives.

They are the generation that is going forward in faith. They will become the center of their siblings lives. They will be having these dinners without us someday.

However, for now, I am grateful to be in their universe. I am grateful watching them laugh, joke, hug and talk. there is such a satisfying joy in knowing my children are talking to each other, encouraging each other and supporting each other the best way they can.

One day, they will be sitting on the outskirts watching their children. I hope they will smile and say, “mom was right. This is one of the best parts of parenting.”