I love my daughters. I feel confident that you love your children too. That’s why I believe you will understand my heart when I share a story with you.
With one daughter already married and on her own, it is sometimes difficult for me to think about my second daughter moving out. After graduating from college last December and accepting her dream job, she is beginning to make plans to move out and set up her own nest and independence. I have wanted this for her since she was born. Throughout her life I loved her and provided for her needs to the best of my ability. My dream was for her to develop into a healthy and whole woman, become independent and able to make wise decisions for her life. She is healthy, whole and a remembers that with each choice, direction determines destination. Now, the time is fast approaching for her to fly and though it is difficult, I want it for her.
After tagging along while she toured three different apartment complexes, I began to feel tension about her leaving home. I saw much of what I know can lead one down the wrong path and I imagine as a young adult it all looks very inviting. I cringe when I think how it could pull her away from all that is waiting to unfold. I begin to think about the lessons she has learned, the love she was given and about the good people around her in her life as she grew up. I know of her strong love for and knowledge of God and I turn to my faith. I know the principles she lives by and am confident she is well prepared, protected and ready to fly.
More than two months have passed since we looked at apartments. I have observed my daughter’s decision-making during this time more closely. I know without a doubt, she will do well on her own. Today, I cleaned out a closet of all her belongings from when she came home from college less than a year ago. I wondered if this would be the last time I would get that opportunity. I sat in the closet floor and tears filled my eyes as my heart took a slow and memorable journey through her scrapbooks and photo albums from youth. As I placed them in the box, I thought about how much her plans to fly the coop have caused significant growth in me. This season of life has shown me that without a conscious awareness, I readied for the next season of my life as she set out to leave home. She is following her life dream , the one since she could walk and talk; I am following my life dream, discovered only a few years ago. Together, step by step, we are walking into our destinies. I am not certain what it will all look like, but this one thing I do know— we are each moving on up!
3 Comments on Moving On Up!
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“Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
Apparently, Allison, a job well done! Thanks for sharing. The Lord always speaks to my heart using your words! <3
This brought tears to my eyes. i know exactly how you feel. For their whole lives, I have prayed that God would fill in where I was lacking as a parent. God has been faithful even when I have in my own weakness doubted. May God bless you and your children as you begin this new and exciting chapter “moving on up!”
Allison, I wanted to share this poem with you that I read recently. Touched my heart like your post did!
With these hands, I gently cradled this child,
Held him close to my heart,
Nursed his wounds and calmed her fears,
Held the books that I would read
And rock this child fast asleep.
With these hands, I made his lunches
And drove the car that carried her to school;
Snapped endless pictures, wrapped countless gifts,
Then did my best to assemble those gifts.
Combed his hair and wiped her tear,
Let her know that I was near
To nurse his wounds and heal her heart
When it would break.
With these hands, I made mistakes,
And with these hands, I prayed and prayed and prayed.
These hands are feeble, these hands are worn,
These hands can no longer calm the storms;
These hands have done all they can do;
These hands now release this child, my child,
To You.
For Your hands are able,
Your hands are strong,
Your hands alone can calm the storms.
Your hands will continue to do
What they are so gifted to do,
To shape his life and make her new.
Into Your hands receive this child,
For my child I now give back to You.
In the strong name of Jesus,
And with all my heart I pray,
Amen.
“With These Hands” Poem Copyright© 1994 Mark DeYmaz, Little Rock, Arkansas.