Jake is an amazing son-- and an even better person. If you would have asked me a couple years ago if he would be willing to follow God's leading to move away and work with missionaries...I would have literally laughed out loud. He had a difficult couple of years, but despite the battles, he persisted and has grown to be a leader of his youth group.
As a mom, it is oftentimes difficult to gauge the spiritual walk of your child. Sure--a mom "knows" her child, but until you let him spread his wings and make life-changing decisions, you just never really know what direction he will go. That is certainly the case with Jake. At the beginning of his senior basketball season, Jake decided NOT to play basketball. This decision came as a real shock as basketball was his LIFE. In fact, I thought he had a really good shot at a basketball scholarship, and I knew of a couple of coaches that were watching him. Much to his credit, he stood firm on his decision despite all the people telling him that he was throwing away a good opportunity. Robert and I supported him but remained confused as to what was going to happen.
In retrospect, this decision was probably one of the most important decisions he's ever made up until now. Had he played his senior year of basketball, he more than likely would have earned a scholarship to play somewhere and would not have even considered this missionary program! He had enough self awareness to know that he was not ready for college. And--if you ask me--he wasn't ready to be thrown into a situation that many college freshmen are faced with...total freedom. Spiritual maturity is really tested when there is no one around. Believe me.....I know. Even at a Christian university, trouble is always around.
So.......I guess this Mom is extremely excited that he has made this decision. However, I can't help but be apprehensive. I just need to remember that it's time for him to spread his wings and trust the Lord's promises.
Pura vida,
Tona
