Among the possible sources of frustration is the challenge of raising a teen and coaching that teen to be self-sufficient in finding means of keeping himself occupied and entertained when there are truly limited things for him to do. Obviously we don’t want our children to fall into sin and to run with the wrong crowd. We’ve been blessed in that the options for becoming involved in undesirable activities have always been very few for Jacob. While he has a strong personality that can at times be challenging, the only rough spots with him have been right within the four walls of our home.
So I think it appropriate to celebrate and be reminded of how good things really are when small victories come my way. American teens can be difficult to please and demand expensive clothing and toys (computers, iPods, TVs, etc.). They can ask for cars, trips, and cash to hit the town. Jacob asks for (almost) none of these, knowing that to ask would really be futile. When I hand him something that pleases him it’s a relief because often his peace is my peace.
Recently I stopped by a small convenience store (our town has about two and only one has anything I would want) and found some canned Dr. Pepper. Now in Peru that is rare and they charge over a $1 per can as it is imported. I bought several as it is Dena’s favorite soda. At the house I handed one to Jacob and his response with a smile was, “Oh, sweet!”
I had scored. I successfully pleased a 17 year old teenager with a can of Dr. Pepper. What was the victory? That in an age where teenagers are not happy unless they are surrounded by technology and fashion I had a teenager pleased with a simple down-home can of Dr. Pepper. “Yeah, it’s sweet!” God is good!
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