He’s off.
This morning our family drove Taylor to the airport, said our good-byes and watched our son walk though the airport doors to spend a year in El Salvador.
One
Whole
Year.
Last night he slept soundly in the bed that’s been his since childhood. Tonight he sleeps far away from the comforts and familiarity of home. But he is just where he is supposed to be. And strangely, I’m OK. Because I know the safest place to be is not in the warm surroundings I’ve tried to create for my family. No, the safest place to be is snack dab in the middle of God’s will.
Earlier this week we took the kids to Lake Arrowhead – a favorite spot we’ve been visiting at least twice a year since Taylor was born. This time we borrowed two wave runners to bring along. Since we have a family of five, I rode with Taylor. With his mom on board he drove cautiously – not because of his preference, mind you. But because he knows that’s the way I like things. Safe. Secure. Only just enough bumps to make things interesting.
After a few laps around the lake I motioned for him to take me back to shore. I loosened my grip around my broad shouldered boy and hopped off. Why? Because I wanted him to navigate the waters the way he wanted, not the way I wanted. I wanted him to fly over the breaks. To soar over the water. To go where he wanted to go as fast as he wanted to go. And you just can’t do that with your mom holding you tightly.
Today it dawned on me that our experience on the the lake – Taylor’s and mine – is not unlike our experience as parent and child. If you want your child to soar, you have to let go.
Fear based parenting is no way to raise a child. No, wait. Fear based parenting is no way to raise an adult. So whether it’s kindergarten or camp, dating or driving, eventually we must loosen our grip and let our child venture beyond our reach.
And so today I let go.
Because with all my heart I want that boy to soar.
Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one’s youth. Psalm 127:2-4
My prayers are flowing for your wonderful son Taylor! He is such an inspiration to us all in following God’s will for our lives no matter how uncomfortable or different that we thought God’s will and plan was for our lives! What a great post today! As my kids are away with their grandparents for 5 days so I can prepare for my new job I also needed that friendly reminder about knowing that they are God’s children and God will protect our babies! Love ya Donna and thanks for the tears of joy for the blessings God has given me today!
Thanks for your prayers Michele! I’m so glad to know today’s blog touched your heart, especially with all three of your kids away.
Donna, what an adventure in faith for you! I am so glad to be able to pray for him (and for you!) while he is gone. He is an amazing young man to be following God’s call for his life!
Interesting post keep up the good work, I will visit again =)
Sweet Friend,
You should be so proud of your wonderful son. This is what you have prayed for his entire life… to be courageous and to follow the Lord. I know God will us him in incredible ways for the kingdom. I will keep him in my prayers throughout this next year. Huge hugs to you!
Dear Donna,
As I read your post I begin to feel the tears roll up. Yet these tears are tears of truth! Truth in knowing that you are strong because God has given you the strength to let your son soar in God’s will. AS a mom I get it! I get it because God has it! All the best for you and your family. Hugs
Funny, I was thinking along the same lines. Adam Alex