2024 is a very special year. The numbers 25, 20, and 16 mark distinct milestones in my journey.

• 25 years since graduating high school

• 20 years of marriage together

• 16 years of motherhood; the SWEET 16

This past week, we celebrated my oldest son’s birthday together. It occurred on a Thursday in the middle of our very busy season. He already had a work shift on the schedule, our daughter had a basketball evening, and hubby had work for the day. It would have been a typical busy Thursday for the Batchelor Pad.

However, this particular first day of February we took an official “day off” (until 3:00pm).

Celebrating 16 Together

The morning began at its own pace, allowing for early rising or sleeping-in, with no intention for either. Morning hellos and hugs led to conversation around the kitchen table, where we usually gather before we start the day.

Since we had no structured plans for study or errands to run, we could choose to do anything we set our minds on. Of course my oldest can choose, since he’s the ‘birthday boy.’

After I finished baking his birthday cake, we set up an exciting game of Mario Monopoly with our youngest staging the role of Banker.

We rolled the die, claimed properties, paid the rent, and went to jail; all in no particular order. We had an animal (named Beanie) serve as a contestant in the game in place of the youngest, and Beanie became proficient at giving out rent and extra dollars as players would “run out” of coins. Beanie was very generous. His times in Jail were served behind the bars of the napkin holder.

In the end, the birthday boy won the game as he landed on the last property to be purchased: ironically the cheapest one of all. (This new rule of how to win was declared by the banker and served as a fitting ending to our silly and enjoyable game).

After our game, I read a chapter of Treasure Island with my girl, and the boys continued to relax throughout the morning.

Side Story: Did you know, my girlsie bought me these fabulous earrings for Christmas? With the help of our friend, my daughter went on a shopping spree together with friends to celebrate her best friend’s birthday. They bought goodies, gifts, and posed for fashion pics in hats and sweaters. It was an exceptional day in our quaint downtown of artisan shops.

But these earrings; they are Treasure Island! My girl and I have been reading this classic book together for her Literature study, and she picked these out as a gift on that sweet shopping day. I love my girlsie! She’s so thoughtful.

After some relaxed play, I asked what we should eat for lunch. On birthdays, the star of the day decides where we eat out for dinner. Since we would all be occupied for the dinner meal, we decided to do a treat for lunch instead. He chose Pepperoni and Sausage pizzas from Pizza Hut with a side of delicious Garlic Cheesy breadsticks. Mmmmm.

Since it turned out to be the warmest day of the year, I decided to take the kids on a walk in our small town for some sweet sunshine.

I drove us to the nearby cemetery. My youngest opted to stay in the van cuddled up in the sleeping-bag left from a recent lock-in. My daughter hung out nearby riding her scooter, making snowballs, singing, walking the grounds, and spooking two large hawks from their quiet rest in the trees.

The birthday boy and I walked many laps around the cemetery grounds talking of amphibians, marine animals, cells of the human body, star wars legos, friends, life, and even death.

Once in a while, God brings us these lingering moments to share with our children or with our spouse. These are the moments I want to say, “Stop time.” And yet, I know that the passage of time and the growth of the children brings joy, hope, and such blessings. It’s a journey we take one day at a time; one step at a time.

Walking the Cemetery

Recently, my oldest has been growing sentimental about his high school journey. He’s particularly enjoyed making friends and being a part of the music. He feels saddened that it will come to an end. I’m so grateful he has a tender heart for people and life, and he thinks deeply about matters of the heart, the reality of life & death, and what that means for us today.

This cemetery sits off a long, quiet road in our small town. When Tim and I take our walks, we usually walk this road and circle laps around the quiet grounds. Many conversations happen here. Many discussions about plans, troubles, happenings of the day, dreams and more.

Discussions at the Cemetery

One of the tombstones in the cemetery marks the grave of a young man. When we pass it on our walks, we stop and think of him.

Back in 2021, a young man we had known from his childhood days passed away in an automobile accident early one morning on his way to his workplace. I’m not sure how to express the feelings of sadness I feel when I think of this child’s passing. His grave is located here in our town cemetery, for he lived just over and down the country road from us.

To be sure, this event changed the lives of his family members and his friends. His time on this earth was spent well, but was cut too short. May the Lord give such grace to his loved ones left behind to miss him.

As we pass his tombstone, we can remember him and pray for those loved ones. With our oldest becoming a young man and getting his license soon, this monument is a quiet yet stark reminder of the reality of death on this earth.

As a believer in Christ, when I think about death or talk about death, I’m instantly reminded of the truth that “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phillippians 1:21.

My life on this earth is the ‘short story,’ and my eternal life in Christ is the novel. As a believer, I know that my life is valuable, it’s “on purpose” for Christ’s kingdom, and it’s part of a much greater story that God is writing, mapping out, and unfolding.

For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Phillippians 1:21

The Story of Lazarus

In John 11, Jesus came to the town of Bethany to help his dear friends. Lazarus was sick. Mary and Martha were scared and sad for their brother.

Jesus knew what was to come. He knew how this sickness and death would unfold into a miracle. He delayed his travel by two days, and when he arrived in Bethany, he found that Lazarus had already died and been in the tomb for four days.

In John 11:20-28 Martha meets Jesus and not only speaks to the tragedy of the situation, but also speaks the truth to Jesus and to herself in the midst of her sadness.

Truth to Live By

Verse 25 is the salvation story. “He who believes in Me!” This is a cornerstone belief that I carry and hold on to. Though I die (on this earth, in this short while, in this part of the novel), I will live for all eternity with Christ.

Not because of what I’ve done on this earth. Not at all. Only because of what Jesus did on the cross for me. He took my punishment for my sins. He took it all upon His own body. He was the perfect sacrifice for sins, and those who believe in Him can have eternal life.

These words are life-changing! They are words to live by, words that bring true peace.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25-26

Truth for the ‘Everyday’

I’m forever grateful for Christ’s salvation. Because of His redemption, I don’t have to fear. I still do fear many times, but I know (down deep) that my soul is kept in His hand forever. This brings such value to my life and to my everyday. I have abundant reason to rejoice!

Happy Sweet 16 to my boy! He was the start of my journey in motherhood. And oh what a sweet journey this has been. I’m eager to see what the next 16 years will bring.

What milestones are you celebrating this year? Do you have a growing teen in your home? What conversations are you having with your kids? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. I’d love to hear from you!

Keep Walking Friend,

Christina