I had three, then two, and now just one. We dropped off my daughter at college on Friday and then moved my son to his dorm the following day, and now it's just my youngest living at home with my husband and me.
Even tho I went through these exact emotions last year, it never gets easier. I can't even imagine what it will be like when all three leave the nest. I teased my youngest son and told him when it will be his turn to go to college, he will commute to the closest college campus, which is 15 minutes away. He wouldn't have to share a small dorm room or bathroom and would have the best meal plan ever: his dad's cooking. All joking aside, I know leaving the nest is mandatory. It's one of those rites of passage that must happen for kids to become who they are designed to be. To extend their wings and soar higher, further, and greater than if they lived at home with us forever.
"Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court." ~Psalm 127:3-5 (NIV)
It is one of those paradoxes of life: pride to release our arrows out of the quiver and pain to see them go.
I'm expectant to see the outcome as they navigate this new stage. I have witnessed nieces and nephews and their progress after graduating, and I couldn't be prouder. I'm excited for my trio to join the same ranks one day.
If I have to go through these heart-tugging emotions to see my kids live, lead, and love the way God designed them to, I will go through the raw emotions every single time and many times over.
If you have kids, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren or know of any, I encourage you to champion them by praying for them. If you are uncertain how to pray for them, I highly recommend using a book like, Every Day I Pray for My Teenager by Eastman Curtis. One of my sweetest friends, who used this book for her children and now for her grandchildren, purchased one for me, and I have used it daily ever since.
I am using the spiritual jurisdiction God has given me to guide my children. I won't be passive and watch what might happen, but be proactive and thwart every evil plan.
We tell our kids they are ChampiAhns so that they live like it. ☺
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