When your children have different faith journeys

Both the teenagers I’m raising in my home attend church. One willingly. One more begrudgingly.

One loves all aspects of it. They have thrown themselves into team, midweek groups, socializing with others and saying yes to any and every opportunity there is. They have a relationship with Jesus that is their own, independently forged and special. They are naturally an enthusiast and everything happening internally shows itself externally so their faith journey has been no exception. At school they lead in CU and take any chance there is to share or speak about her faith. It’s joyous to behold.

The other teenager is totally different. Everything they feel is internalized. They’re like a treasure box who occasionally reveals the beauty of what’s happening inside. They come to church begrudgingly because of the time of the day it starts but also with great reservation about how to engage with integrity. They enjoy the social aspect when their friends attend but by nature they’re more introverted so the experience is also quite draining. They think deeply and we’re beginning to watch their faith journey emerge but it’s one that’s more questioning, more sceptical and at arm’s length. They’re appalled at the idea of being in or associated with CU at school or speaking about church let alone wondering aloud about her faith. It’s joyous to be alongside.

Both are joyous because their journeys feel authentic. My greatest desire for my children is that they would know God and follow Him so I’ll admit to sometimes wishing that number 2 teenager would act more like number 1. But I’ll admit something else – that’s entirely about me and not about her.