I Can't Stop It!

As much as I wish I could, I can't.

There is no way I could possibly even begin to think of how to  stop the forward march of time.

The ever present passage of time begins to speed up as children approach the age of stepping out of childhood and into the adult world. It has happened three times so far in my lifetime and I am currently experiencing the symptoms again. Probably worse this time, because it is the last.

I felt that familiar punch in the gut while we were in Kenting, the beach town on the southern tip of Taiwan. Jake, along with his friend Marcus, asked to rent scooters for a day. They wanted to explore, but more importantly, they wanted their independence.

Of course, my heart wrenched with typical mommy thoughts. But, with age comes wisdom and I wisely held back those emotional and somewhat irrational what ifs. Both boys, besides having experience driving a scooter, have proven themselves to be trustworthy and good decision makers.

Since these were electric scooters, no drivers license was required. So, with the help of the dads and approval of the moms, the nice scooter man was paid his fee, and the boys were given the time and equipment to wander along the coast and up into the nearby hills.

While it may be labeled as Fast and Furious, it wasn't. Since any novice could rent and drive one, the scooters were set to only go so fast. That fact alone salvaged a few gray hairs! The batteries only lasted a few hours, so they couldn't wander too far away. Plus, it was January. The roads were void of the typical good weather tourists.

With his lunch money in his pocket and fashionable helmet strapped on for protection, away he went. Now while my face may show despair, I assure you it was all for the benefit of the camera. I learned long ago, that my worry can't change a thing (except add more gray hairs). 

Every hour, we received a text assuring us he was still alive. Later that evening, the scooters were returned damage free after a somewhat chilly and misty day.

In May, Jake will turn 18, which is the legal driving age in Taiwan. He will be eligible to get a scooter license. That's when I will need to completely trust that God is with Jake wherever he goes!

It will be another exercise in faith growing trust for me!