Growing Up Boys and Girls

My kids are definitely growing up. Not only are they *upperclassmen* in school and driving, but now they are planning college visits, babysitting, and, gulp!, DS has a girlfriend! My kids might be twins, but they have very different ideas on how and when to date. DD has a few guy friends but has specifically stated she does not want to date until college because she wants to focus on her classes in high school and doesn't want to be "that girl" who can only think about her boyfriend.

DS, on the other hand, has tried to get to know girls in the past and has been rebuffed...until the first day of school this year. DSGF (DS' girlfriend) is in his culinary class, and they hit it off right away. He could not have found someone more like him, mannerisms and all, if he had intentionally tried. They text each other and talk on the phone for hours every day after school. He has been to her house twice and went to a local fair with her and her parents last weekend, and she has been here twice and went to the local festival parade with us the other night. DSGF got to meet the kids' uncle and 10-year-old cousin, and she really hit it off with the cousin, which isn't easy to do! She has also come to youth group at church the last couple weeks, and she and her parents have been in church several times, too. Unfortunately I have been in the nursery both times they were there and have not met them yet, but I understand they are coming again Sunday, so hopefully we will meet then.

I knew this time would come, when one of the twins would begin a relationship with someone. Am I a little scared? Sure! You never know if this will be a lifelong high school sweetheart thing or if hearts will be broken in a few weeks. I've always been open with my kids about dating and what is expected of them to do and NOT to do, but at some point, you have to let them go and experience things and the consequences (good or bad) on their own. Thankfully we have several "protective services" in place, at least for a while. I'm glad DSGF feels comfortable here and doing things with us and vice versa for DS and her family. I hope they will continue to want to spend time here. One of the benefits of twins is that there is a built-in chaperone! haha DD isn't afraid to call him out on something she has seen or heard. And DSGF isn't allowed to ride with him solo in the car yet until he has had his license for 6 months, so we have a while yet of family activities before they are on their own. But most importantly, both have been raised in the church and have been taught what God expects of them in a relationship.

I'm happy that DS has found a girl with whom he has so much in common. I truly believe God has had a hand in this. Will they be together 10 years from now? Only God knows that, but I pray that He will use this relationship to show these 2 very young people that He is in control and that they will see His hand and listen to His wisdom as they go forward.