For we are His
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath
beforehand ordained, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
- Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
Do your best to present
yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be
ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. - John 12:26 (ESV)
My husband and I started laughing so hard . The anticipated
text came in to both of our cell phones.
Breathing a sigh of relief, as our laughter echoed in the
whole family room, we read the same text that read “I’m okay.” It was from our
son. Away for a night and 2 days. A mandatory orientation in the college where
he was supposed to go this Fall.
As a mother, that night seemed the longest. As I cracked
open the dark room. My son’s bedroom. The smell of freshly washed sheets
wafted, coming softly to my nostrils. The silhouette of his art slightly
visible on the walls. There was only one missing…
My son…Our son…
And how my husband and I missed him last night. He had been
good about updating us with what was going on in his orientation. I knew he was
excited. As he started taking each step into discovering new adventures.
Our son…
Who used to steer his Fischer Price car as his feet
propelled it fast then suddenly made a quick turn, making it glide in a precise
circle in our living rooms. Its vinyl-tiled floors, which my husband and I
installed in our old house, scratched with glistening white streak marks from
his “pretend car’s black wheels.” Yes, that toddler who enjoyed the bubble
baths…Took pictures with theme parks’ characters…Made little pancakes on
Saturdays with his daddy…Counting with his numbers…Drawing or sketching with
his markers…Who gave unexpected hugs and sweet kisses…
Now…A grown-up man…
The gnawing fear in a mother’s heart from his separation
slowly disappeared…as waves of thoughts flooded this mother’s heart…Waves of
merciful grace that reminded me every time I wanted to be faithless that I
should be strong instead…Because He has better plans…As He always did no matter
what trial my husband and I had gone through. He always sustained us both with
His grace, love, and strength…
I slept…without worries…Knowing that despite it would be
hard to let our son go and step out into this place filled with uncertain
things, he would be okay…Knowing that my husband and I would be letting him go…Into
His Hands…
“I’m okay…Good morning…Luvu…” my son texted to us this
morning. I smiled and knew Who to thank right away for my son’s protection. No
doubt. He would be starting a life of discoveries, meeting new friends and
challenges…And I prayed…That he wouldn’t forget the Hands that hold him close.
The Hands that never stopped serving when He was here. And my son, being His child, I prayed
would always follow. A life of being a servant…A humble servant…in the days to come...
Lord, I pray…for us, as a family…to never stop loving You
and remembering Your goodness all the days of our lives. Lord, help us
surrender everything in our lives daily to You. Please use us as Your
instruments for Your glory. Thank You Lord that You are always there for us,
never leaving us especially at times of trials where our faiths are being
tested. Please protect us. Comfort my husband’s and my heart as we let go of
our dearest son into this world. But we both realize, we are letting him go
into Your Hands that will wipe out our fears. As our son begins his life of
service for You. May he bless many that You bring into his life and that You
alone, are always glorified. Thank You Lord for everything. Thank You for Your
love and mercy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
praying for your dear family, love you.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the hardest things...letting go....giving them their wings. He will do great. He has a good foundation under his feet and wonderful loving parents. Each day will get easier.
ReplyDeleteGod calls us to a new level of trust in Him when we have to let our children go. But He never fails to take good care of them.
ReplyDeleteDon't have children, but if God says who He says He is, He will take care of them. Hugs my friend.
ReplyDeleteI am happy for your son and his next step in life, yet having a place in my heart for you "empty nest", as my wife and I have lived this natural cycle of life for a parent. I like what you said: "Please use us as Your instruments for Your glory." I don't think of or say this enough. Thank you for this emotional post that drives me to the arms of my Lord, my provider & Sustainer. Blessings sister.
ReplyDeleteI smiled as I read this. It's wonderful to see that you've raised a godly young man who is now stepping out on his own. But I also know the bitter sweetness as our children become adults; how good it feels, yet how much we miss seeing them every day.
ReplyDelete"every time I wanted to be faithless that I should be strong instead…Because He has better plans…"
ReplyDeleteyep, He always does, doesn't He.
"I prayed that he wouldn’t forget the Hands that hold him close. "
He WON'T ever forget! You trained him well.
this was such a sweet post. I feel honored to peek into your family room and witness your laughter together in the short absence of your son. How special is your family relationship. Not all families are quite so blessed. I loved your prayer....I am praying for you - hubby and son in this transition. Its like letting go of the kite string. We gradually ease up on our grip as the years progress...but letting it go...is something else entirely!
I'm reminded of the day my daughter got married. Both parents released balloons in the parking lot...to represent letting go of the strings...releasing them unto God. It was such an awesome moment watching them rise higher and higher into the heavens. It was a joyful peaceful time. And I believe it helped me release her to God and to the man He chose for her to marry.
Life is full of memories...markers...hopes and dreams.
I just extend my blessings unto this family of yours.
God is so good...all of the time, Isn't He?
Hugs, my friend
patrina <")>><
I think my mother is on the same boat with me, haha!
ReplyDeletePraying for you and for you to be strong in Christ! Glad you raised him in godly ways.
"See I have engraved you in the palm of my hand, your walls are ever before me."
Hugs sister ♥
I'm sure it is so hard letting your son go. But you have taught him well and now it's time to trust God with him as he transitions to college. I read a beautiful post on a friend's blog who is experiencing something similar. Here's a link to it: http://www.lorisreflections.com/everyday-things/family/doing-the-best-that-i-can/
ReplyDeleteI think you will be able to identify with Lori.
Blessings and love to you,
Debbie
Hugs to you Rosel....
ReplyDelete