Preparing My Heart For Another Goodbye
When my daughter was in middle school, she joined our church’s youth group on a mission trip to the Philippines. I prepared my heart for a difficult goodbye. She was excited and eager; I was terrified and concerned. Allowing our thirteen-year-old daughter to fly halfway around the globe without me or my husband required a huge step of faith.
This bible verse is marked with my daughter’s name and travel dates: “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116: 7.
Indeed, my soul needed to find rest as I trusted God to watch over our girl.
Mission trips and youth camps eventually led to college departures. Saying goodbye to each of our kids when they left for university and then participated in year-abroad programs in Switzerland were more opportunities to entrust my children to God’s sovereign care and protection.
Prayers for protection were answered when we discovered our son was safe in Paris with friends, only a few miles away from the terrorist attacks all over the city.
Our kids have always been independent, and with their wanderlust spirits, we have not held them back. But letting them go and watching them grow pierces a mom’s heart and brings us to a place of full surrender to the Lord with our children.
Now, with young adults in their mid and late twenties, I need both hands to count the hard goodbyes we’ve endured.
Our son was the first to leave California. Preparing my heart for another goodbye, I remember hugging him before his 3:30 AM departure to his new state across the country.
My heart ached.
After a few more years, a couple more states, and several moves, the whole family shifted again. Change is hard, and goodbyes are difficult.
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116: 7.
I admire the families that manage to keep all their children close by and a stone’s throw from an impromptu dinner or a shopping day. But the Lord has not guaranteed that for us.
He has them on their journeys, and their lives are fluid as they navigate career opportunities, research new living locations, and wait for God to bring them their future spouses.
And so, I prepare my heart for another goodbye, trusting Him for His sovereign plans to unfold in each of our children’s lives.
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I'm so glad you're here!
There is abundant, joy-filled life available to us through Jesus! The world is dark but there is always hope in the bright light of Him. Prayer is powerful.
Love,
Kimberly
Feeling this! Thank you for the post Kim
As our son graduates college in a month (the one who talks to me a lot) harsh reality is he isn’t moving back.
I too see his future where he continues to challenge himself and I’ve encouraged him to stay in TX now- give it a try post college as that is what he wants.
It’s still hard – parenting and letting go
We have to continue to grow.
Yes, it is so difficult! We want the best for them, but selfishly, we want them close to us also. Praying for your mom’s heart and great success in his pursuits.
Our son is in TX also:)
I can relate. My husband and I were separated from our children and family for several years. There were special days my heart ached to be with them all. Your special verse is so true. God has allowed our children and most of our grandchildren to be together now, at this point in time.
I’m so happy to hear you are all together now. I pray for that day to come eventually! Thank you for sharing, Marlene.