Letting Go

One of the hardest things to do as a parent is to let go. I remember the first time my kids left in a car together alone. They weren't going far, just down the street to Taco Bell or maybe Target. As I watched the tail lights disappear down the street I thought "There Goes My Life" In that car were two of the things that I treasure most in my life, the living testimony of my husband's and my love, taking off in a 1987 Chevy Blazer. Several years later and I don't even think about it when they leave, other then a sign of relief that the house is finally quiet.

That wasn't the first time I had to let go and trust that God would take care of them. And it certainly wasn't the last. Dropping Ned off as school last August and waving goodbye seemed like an ending. Of course, when he came back home the next weekend, I realized that we never really say goodbye to our children, they just keep coming back.

Like the time I watched them drive off, I need to realize that they need to drive in their own direction and take their own paths. I can offer a road map of advice, give them provisions (safe childhood, good values, faith) but it really is up to them whether they keep on the road, or go off on their own.

Time will tell what kind of men they grow up to be. My hope is that they become the kind of man their father is - strong, and yet gentle, patient, resourceful, successful, kind and caring. . I donÂ’t want them to ever settle for a woman whohasnÂ’t made him her number one love and priority, someone who puts his needs first, just as he will put her needs first. I want him to know he can achieve anything he wants to, as long as he sets his mind to it. I want them to be one of the men who still hold the door open for a lady, yet stands his ground. I want to protect them from all the evil that could befall them.

As my warriors go off into life, I can only protect them with tharmorur of my prayers and the knowledge that God has great plans for them

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call
upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and
find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,"

Jeremiahah 29:11 (NIV)