Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. (Psalm 127:3)
About a year ago, I was crying the blues about my youngest daughter, Sarah, going off to college. I wanted to let you know that I survived, and so did she.
In fact, we functioned quite well independently. It’s not like other parents didn’t tell me that I would be just fine, but I guess it’s true that there are some things that we can only learn by experience.
During our separation, we learned to navigate challenges with the help of constant prayer. I never realized how many new things she would face without me. At one point, she needed to see a doctor off-campus about an injury to her leg. She did not have a car and needed someone else to drive her. I was uneasy about someone I didn’t know taking her to the doctor. But I learned that Sarah is coming into adulthood and I have to rely on the spiritual foundation that gives her good instincts about people and places.
I continue to pray for her every day and ask God to give her wisdom and to guide her ability to make good decisions. God has been faithful. I know that he has entrusted my children to me for the purpose of equipping them with the tools necessary for the day when they leave the nest. I have to trust that I have done the right thing. I have to learn how to release her and let her fly.
I thank God that he is a very present help in all circumstances. He calms me when I feel the urge to worry about Sarah’s well-being. My prayer point is simply to trust God, not just in word but also in deed. Prayer keeps me centered in the issues of life, and I encourage you to stay connected to God through prayer.
