I grappled with my cell phone camera as I tried to take a
picture of my son driving his car. On our way to the college’s open house. The
college he chose to go to. As dark clouds loomed over the distant mountains, I
was able to capture a silhouette of my son’s familiar physique and was
contented though a little dark the photo seemed.
The parking lots were half-full, expected as it was on a
weekend and some regular classes were not open. There was a throng of parents
with excited would-be freshmen already crossing the intersection from the
marked parking lot for those wanting to explore this college’s programs. Like
the three of us.
A mixed emotion started to grow in my heart as a mother.
Concerned for even the littlest details. For who, as a loving parent, would
never want the “best” for their children? My child that soon would be driving
farther distances and would continue to advance his knowledge. Apart from what
my husband and I shared and continue to share.
The atmosphere from everyone working there was very friendly
and welcoming. The anxiety from that “motherly concern” of mine was slowly
being replaced minute by minute with very informative lecture about the degree
my son wanted to pursue and the appearance of the campus itself. It felt as if I was
the student who would go here to study that I got excited myself as I observed
the convenience of how near the Student
Services, the bookstore, the campus store, and the different little restaurants
and coffee shop were to the building where he would go as Fall Semester starts
this year.
My son…our little baby then…was not a baby anymore but a
man. Ready to explore and be challenged. Yet, as a concerned parent, aware of
all challenges this life would offer. There would be moments of triumphs. There
would also be moments of defeat. There would be moments of joy and laughter.
But there would also be moments of sadness and tears. This life, like a
labyrinth…where each person’s goal would be to pursue “true happiness”. His path definitely would be changing course.
We stood for a moment…Out in the sun that came out from
hiding from the dark clouds that were blown away suddenly by chilly winds. We marveled
at the campus’ beauty. Of how diverse the population was. Like them, I knew my
son would have to find his happiness to fulfill his life’s goals. But with
uncertainties. At times.
After having a great lunch from our favorite burger joint,
we headed home. Grateful that we attended the Open House this morning. Grateful
that despite the uncertainties and all the labyrinths of life, my son could
continue to move on because we all knew, thanks be to God, that it wasn’t about
seeing things BY SIGHT that would help him find that “true happiness”…It was
SEEING BY FAITH. No matter what challenges would come, only by God’s grace my
son could accomplish his endeavors. For none could comfort and strengthen and
help one to endure…but God…And Him alone…
“Don’t forget to say ‘Thank You Lord’,” I reminded my son as
I took a sip of the cold drink I still held in my hand.
“Thank You, Lord,” he uttered under his breath as he tried
to concentrate with the pile of cars driving on the busy road.
Yes…Faith…That’s what matters…For where can one go but under
His wings to feel safe and fearless?
“Thank You, Lord!”
“For giving us the opportunity to go to the college’s Open
House…But most of all for Your Open Arms…Ready to welcome us when we are
wounded, puzzled, weak or broken…”
