Home is where you go to work things out...

I have two sons...twins.

There are blessings which come from being twins and there are "challenges". Yesterday, we had a challenge.

Because I really don't want to invade their privacy, I don't plan to go into detail of their challenge, but, this one was "real".

Feelings were hurt.

Apologies were sincere.

As a mother, you cannot take sides...you don't want to take sides...

And, thankfully....gratefully, I didn't have to.

At home, my boys don't really "fight" very much, but it happens more than when they were little when peer pressure and testostorone has yet to set in.

Today was one of those days.

As I listened to one son tell his side of the story, I was touched that he took responsibility for his actions...he seemed sincerely remorseful. While he did begin to excuse his behavior, he caught himself and said frankly..."no..really, it was my fault. I started it and I shouldn't have.

His brother had taken a walk to think things over and that was probably a good idea...by the time he came home, real contrition set in from his brother.

I was further touched that the son who started this event gave his brother space...he didn't immediately run up to his brother and apologize. when I asked him why he hesitated, he said, Mama, you have to give a guy his space. I want him to know when I apologize that I really mean it."

I like that.

That is wise thinking from a 15 year old boy.

This particular son had an event to attend, so off he went while the other son and I stayed home to work on a school project.

I waited expectantly to hear "his" side of the story, but he did not elaborate. In fact, I had to ask him to tell his side and he declined...he didn't "rat" out his brother. He didn't criticize, he didn't speak meanly, he just did his school work.

I started to pursue his hurt, but thought better.

I am glad I did.

I started to get the boys together once his brother came home to "work things out", but instead, decided just to pray and let them handle it.

I am glad I did.

Not feeling well, I went to bed early. The one son came home from his activity and the other son worked.

I lay in bed and waited...would they get into it again? Would they make up? Would they just let it go?

I'm not exactly sure what happened (truth: I did not eavesdrop)...and, I could not hear the words spoken, but I can tell you things were said in low, muted voices (as if they didn't want Mama to hear:). Finally, they started talking louder and laughter wafted up into my bedroom. I smiled.

I don't guess I will ever know what transpired between my sons...and, I don't need to know. What I do know is that in our "home", they were able to work things out...all by themselves, with just my prayers to cover them.

what I do know is that love for one another superceded their pain; forgiveness was granted and friendship was bonded perhaps a little more tightly....the kind which can only be forged between twin brothers.

I am blessed.

My challenge to you and me...from this day forward, I plan to stay out of the way of my children's disagreements whenever possible; I plan to try to give them space to think through their actions; I plan to pray more than I speak and I chose to rejoice when their hearts have the opportunity to grow...

Blessings,
Lesa