 My "baby" getting ready to leave for 11 days.
Growing up... Letting go... Cutting the purse strings ... Releasing
All of the above phrases have been heard when one is describing the advancement in life of a child from one stage to the next. Throughout our parenthood, we have had to do this many times and know that as they grow older, new and harder releases are in store for us.
Yesterday, I experienced the biggest one yet. My oldest, H, left yesterday morning on a mission trip to Canada. She's going out of the country, passport and all, ...without us. This whole adventure started last fall. Even though they will have fun on this trip, it is a work trip. Not everyone got to go. Last October, H had to interview with her youth pastor. Those that passed the interview were then required to read a few ministry books and write 2 page typewritten reports over them. The reports were not to be about the books. They had to be about how the books influenced or changed their lives and how they would apply that to their mission trip experience. They also had to do fundraising.
Last night, she called to let us know that she was in Nebraska for the night. She even sent us an email. Good kiddo, keeping us informed. Today, they will make it to North Dakota and go on into Canada on Sunday. There they will participate in a work camp. Different groups of them will have various assignments- anything from painting elderly people's wheelchair ramps, cleaning up various places, landscaping, etc. The one H hopes to get to participate in is putting on a party for some local orphanage children.
They will start back home on the 13th, stopping in Minnesota for a day, then on to Kansas the next day, finally returning home on the 16th.
H was so excited. It was something she has been looking forward to for a long time now. Many of the other mothers were crying as their kids loaded the vans and were anticipating their departure. I did okay, knowing she was so privileged to have this opportunity. However, I did get a "misty eye"(as D would say) when the vans actually pulled out and were on their way.
God, in His usual caring way, had been preparing me for this. Just the day before, I had read a section on surrender in the book I'm reading. It's called "So, You Want to be Like Christ?" by Charles Swindoll. It was talking about our need to surrender all to the Lord. There was a whole section on children and family. Here is a small excerpt:
"Hold the people you love loosely. I'm thinking especially of your children, your parents, your friends who mean so much to you. Accept the fact that nothing this side of heaven is permanent...This is especially difficult with your children...Thank Him for allowing you to nourish those precious lives, ask His guidance to do the job well, and give each one to Him for whatever He wills. Then prepare yourself for the day when you must release them into the world and His care."
One thing D and I have always tried to remember is that these children are really His, they are not ours. God has given them to us to raise responsibly and has entrusted us with loving and caring for them. He expects us to do our best to raise them for His purpose, not ours. I can think of no better purpose than to go and share the love of God with others. So I sent her off in His very capable hands. While it was emotionally difficulty, I truly was so blessed yesterday to "cut another purse string" and send H on her way to do the Lord's work. What a treasure! |
Oh, I'm crying already. We are sending our youngest (10 yrs old) to camp for the first time - for a whole week! I know it's not as far as Canada but still it has been heavy on my heart for a while already. Thanks for reminding me that these are His kids and He will watch over them.
Can't wait to hear how God's work is accomplished through your daughter on her mission trip.