Our son, Michael Glass, is just a high school sophomore this year yet the college planning and preparation is well underway. Michael says he wants to go to Harvard. He says he wants to become a doctor and work with Doctors Without Borders. The young man amazes me! The frightening aspect of how much his college education will cost scares the bejeezers out of me!
We think that Michael has the ability to get the scholarships he'll need, but he has to stay focused to do it. That's were the stress comes in in our house -- not staying on task. This is a common problem for talented and gifted people -- their bodies want to move as much as their minds do. So I feel like the nag, constantly asking if the homework is done, what's coming up later this week, what projects are coming due, etc. Of course, all of the questions are met with oh too common surly teenager look, rolled eyes and all.
How do I cope? I take a walk along the Columbia River with our dog, Dori. I complain because our sons wanted a dog yet I am the primary care provider for her. But, I am glad for her because she gets me out of the house. I have watched flaming red sunrises and glorious sunsets, snowy egrets feeding along the shore, falcons perched in the trees searching for prey. I've seen the changes of the seasons from snow and frost to fresh buds on the branches to full summer foliage to the riot of autumn's colors to once again the snow and frost have returned. there is a peacefulness in the changing of the seasons. We may be reentering the cold grips of winter, but springtime and new growth are just around the corner. As I walk, I glory in God's creation, give thanks and praises for all He has granted to us and return home refreshed and renewed.
The worries about college financing haven't gone away, but I receive the gift of internal peace through the many faceted beauties of God's creation.
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