Yesterday we took our daughter and her children to the airport. The four weeks they spent with us passed soooo quickly! As we left them to board their flight back to Austria, I couldn’t help but think of all the times we left my parents behind in the 17 years we were living in Africa. I remember the exciting ‘hellos’ and the sad ‘goodbyes.’ I acknowledge their commitment to us and to our work, and the love they showed while letting go.
I think of the moms who are letting go of their children now that summer vacation is over – seeing them go off to schools, or colleges, to military service, marriage, or new jobs. For some it is the first of many letting go’s. For others it is not the first time, but it is still hard. A piece of your heart is leaving. If you could, maybe you’d hang on tight and keep that loved one close … but you know that would not be love. Love sometimes means release and a series of letting go.
Take courage, Mom. You’ve done your best to instruct, train, encourage, and challenge your children to be and to do their best. Fully entrust them into the hands of the One who never fails. The One who sticks closer than a brother. The One who will never leave them or forsake them. The Eternal God is their refuge and strength and He’s yours, too!
Cling to Him in your sadness.
Lay your burden of worry at His feet.
Trust Him to see and hear them, even when you cannot.
Thank Him for being ever-present with them wherever they go,
and with you wherever you are.
The following Scripture verses encourage me. Maybe they will encourage you, too.
- 1 Peter 5:7
- Psalm 55:22
- Hebrews 13:5
- Proverbs 18:24
- Psalm 46:1
- Deuteronomy 33:27
- Psalm 139:1-12
Blessings,
Ruth
Reaching, Encouraging, Connecting 