In my household, nothing is kept quiet; well, not for too long anyway.  I remember last year some time, in the spring, It was 2:30  in the afternoon, and the “DT’s ”  (stands for drama teens) were on their way home.  Sure enough, the door opens, and whatever conversation started at the bus stop ended at the front door.  My nephew Jalen, my daughter Jessica, & my youngest Jason all  head right for the kitchen.(they need sustenance to maintain their obvious debate).   I was on the computer in the family room trying not to listen, but as I said, nothing in my household is kept quiet thanks to the drama and energy that this team brings.

They seemed to be making some observations about each other that I found to be worth  listening to (again, I wasn’t trying to listen but they are so animated when they speak, you can’t help but listen in. Jalen came to live with us two years ago from New York. He is very inquisitive about everything, and has an opinion about it all whether you like it or not. He prides himself on having a wealth of knowledge.  Jessica, on the other hand is some what reserved; at times painfully shy, whom one might consider introverted. Jason, is on a whole different level; He’s the wildcard! He can be anything at anytime.  Because we left New York when Jessica  was just 7, and Jason was a toddler, becoming “city-savvy”  didn’t become a major part of their  development.   Jalen  had to  acclimate  quite  rapidly to the hustle and bustle of public transportation (buses, subways etc.,)  as a way to get to and from school. It was his natural environment.  As a result, he has learned to engage the public quite easily . Both children have assimilated to their environments which has molded their outward personalities. However, since living in  the South,  Jalen has had a challenge adjusting to the lack of independence with regards to traveling around North Carolina. He realizes that needing a ride to the store or mall, has curtailed his roaming tendency (and his decision-making) quite a bit.

In any case, Jalen makes a comment to Jessica, ” You live a boring life.”  Well, being the Mom I am (always in protective mode), intervened.”Oh really? well, what do you consider boring?” I asked.  Jalen answered, ” Well, Jessica doesn’t seem to have a lot of friends, and I don’t see her going out places socially. I mean how come she doesn’t go out to parties ?”  Hmmmm. “You got me there Sherlock”, I thought .  Suddenly Jessica responded very calmly,” I have my friends and I text whom I feel like talking to; Just because I don’t go to parties or act goofy doesn’t mean I’m boring dummy! (I’m sure dummy added a finishing touch to her defense!)

How important is it to our teens to feel popular and socially connected? Is it important to be Average or Authentic?  Psalm 139:14(NIV) says “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful I know that full well.”   So as a young believer, is it important to be the “Belle of the Ball”,  the “Girl next Door” or that “Friend in Need”? What do your teens say in your home or church? Let me know your thoughts!