My oldest daughter is a junior in high school. My completely unbiased self sees her as God sees her; blessed, beautiful, brilliant, blonde, bold and full of courage, silly and fun, just perfect in every way. Isn’t it comforting to know that God sees you and me as perfect because of what His Son did for us? His Son bore our every sin so that we can stand before our Maker one day. We don’t always see each other that way, do we? We so easily judge others. Won’t you turn from that today and ask God to give you a Christ-like love for one another? Click on this link for a teaching sample I have used for teen girls, I believe it will transfer for us adults also!! http://greaterthanministries.com/resources/how-to-start-a-girls-ministry/teaching-topics/how-do-i-show-love-for-god-and-others-even-when-i-don-t-feel-like-it
Being able to love those who have hurt you or your loved ones does not make you a doormat. It is in the image of Christ that you are given the ability to love others, it’s a love that doesn’t try to do the math. You don’t have tic marks or checks next to your name, we are all even. God is greater than our inability to love equally. He’s >. In His eyes, you=me. Get it? Apply the God math and focus on your loved ones’ positive attributes. Call them out in praise, affirm your children, pray for the Holy Spirit to do what you cannot do. Don’t try to change anyone, gently guide them. Jesus needs you to be His hands, His feet and His voice.
I am very sadly realizing that my time with my oldest daughter is nearing its end. Though we have almost 2 years left with her in our home, we are beginning to seriously look at college choices. While it is fun and exhilarating to see her hard work bear fruit, I am selfishly concerned about how we will feel when she is gone, and if I’m really honest, my main concern is how I will deal with it. I’m sure several of you like me, gave up careers and goals to stay home and raise your family. The days were long, but the years have flown by. Have I done everything I could do to prepare her? Have I loved her well? Have I warned her about every single thing that could possibly happen should she go outside in the dark OR just every single thing that could happen at any time of the day? Does she know not to leave her purse in the car or the sunroof open? Does she know not to eat anything perishable that has been on the kitchen counter for too long? Does she know to check expiration dates?
Will she miss me as much as I am already missing her?
I had my first real heartbreak about it the other night when she and I went to an off-campus meeting for a University that is a little too far away for me to be happy about. We were both excited to hear what the spokesperson had to say. As the slide show started and the campus looked inviting, I realized it wasn’t a party for me. It’s just for her. The tears began to well in my eyes and I REALLY had to hold back. She’s really going away was all I could think. Maybe some of you have already dealt with this, the beginning of the empty nest, or you are dealing with it now or it’s right around the corner. God help us is all I can say.
Don’t worry, she didn’t see me cry, but I told her about it later. She just laughed.
We all have times of transition and they do pass. Prayer is what will get me and you through our transitions. I have to start praying NOW for God to prepare my heart for her departure. Prayer for Him to reveal to me anything I have left undone in raising her. Prayer for our entire household to adjust and to happily let her go. Prayer for her to finish well and strong this K-12 stage of life. Prayer for us all to love one another well and skip past the shortcomings of each other. Praise Him for the gift of her. Where does the time go? Can you relate?
God’s mercies are new every day. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
His Word is so true.
He knew how I felt. I received the sweetest present first thing the next morning. My smallest person sang during her Chapel Service with 2 of her precious friends. They sang 3 songs at the microphone on the altar. Their young voices sang hymns of praise, which I know were a sweet aroma to Him. My daughter kept looking at me and smiling and giving me a little wave. She just wanted to see that I was there, that I didn’t leave, that I saw her. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. That’s how God sees us, He doesn’t take His eyes off us, EVER.
I thank God for the gift of time, for what is left and for the fun to come with the rest of my little people.