Tis the Season of Send Offs

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Tis the Season of Send Offs

Tis the season of send offs

From first day bus waves

To fall semester move in days

Learning to let go

Helps us all to grow

In oh so many ways

We cling so tightly because we care so deeply, and if that’s true, for me and you, just imagine how tightly God is clinging to us all as we learn this lesson of letting go.

His grip is greater than ours.

His love is deeper than ours.

His ways are higher than ours.

And that’s more than enough to keep them close as we let them go.

His plan will continue to work out, play out, and stand out center stage against the backdrop of our surrender.

So what do you say we trade the white knuckles of clenched fists for the white flag of surrendering our will to His?

We can let go

Knowing He never will

He’ll hold them fast

And keep them close

Working out His Will

Behind the scenes

Bringing greater things

From firsts to lasts

And all the in betweens

We can trust Him in the send offs

Every moment, milestone, and memory made

Learning as we let go

Knowing we all will grow

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Grace Upon Grace

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Grace Upon Grace

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬, ‭ESV‬‬)

Grace upon grace

Not just enough

But more than enough

And endless supply

That extends beyond this space and time

This morning, this verse deeply resonated with me as I find myself (still) in the midst of this season of letting go.

I’ve experienced so much of God’s grace in this sacred space.

And this is what He spoke to my heart, and I will pass on to yours, because maybe you need to hear it, too…

Give up (trying to control it all) but don’t give up (trusting He’s in control of it all).

It is possible to give them up to Him without giving up on them or on Him.

“There’s no way to be a perfect parent, but a million ways to be a good one.” — Jill Churchill

Look for just one of those million today, and do that one well.

Have a good cry (sometimes you can’t stop the tears from flowing), but then wipe the tears and carry on, because a mother’s work is never done (and with God’s help you and your kids won’t stop growing).

Empty nest does not mean emptiness.

Life can be lived to the fullest at every age and life stage when our cup is filled by Christ alone.

Yes, the fullest and best days are ahead, because we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, and our children are doing it, too.

They are not ours. They are lent to us to give to Him over and over again. It’s in that kind of giving up we receive the strength we need to truly let go.

Embrace the grace in the sacred space

Over and over again

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

Because each new day

Holds new mercies

More grace

Grace upon grace

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬, ‭ESV‬‬)

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A Call to Prayer for the Mama Bear

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A Call to Prayer for the Mama Bear

A Call to Prayer for the Mama Bear…

A mama’s work is never done, and although the specific tasks and responsibilities may change, the ultimate goal stays the same.

Protect, provide, prepare.

From toddler to teen, and every stage in between, from the moment we bring them home to the moments they are making homes of their own, we raise them to release them, in the safety of our den, before they encounter the wilderness of this wild world we live in.

While they have been given to us by God, they are ultimately His, and our goal is to steer them back to Him again and again, our role is to guide them as He promises to walk beside them.

But the older I get, the more I realize, my words to Him are more powerful than my words to them…

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Post Mother’s Day Post (because it’s in hindsight lessons are learned the most)

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Post Mother’s Day Post (because it’s in hindsight lessons are learned the most)

News flash, mommas, we are not perfect. In fact, we’re far from it. And quite honestly, our kids aren’t looking for our perfection, but rather our intention in the right direction.

In the first picture, we’re all standing tall (some more than others) with the effects of age taking center stage — height for the boys coupled with the depth of their voice, while Steve and I have aged with wrinkles and greys and in a few more subtle ways.

In the second picture, we’re all sitting and they were all small. And just as we were on the same level that day, we were together frequently, and we functioned as a team rather succinctly.

But more than the obvious differences in these two photos are the character differences. Can you spot those?

Because that’s where it’s at. That’s what matters most. We will never be perfect, but we’ll always be perfectly positioned to learn and grow.

The years between these photos bring meaning to this post. The differences are far more than physical, and this momma is grateful for the lessons learned in hindsight.

It’s never too late to learn, and we will never stop growing and maturing in our God-given roles and responsibilities.

They see us trying. So, keep trying, momma, and never give up. Sitting or standing, small or tall, the heart lessons are the hardest to learn, but they’ll outlast the physical differences well beyond the wrinkles and greys and passing Mother’s Days.

So, stay the course, and glance back every now and then, not to be sad they’re grown, but to be glad they’re known — seen and loved. Take time to spot the differences, notice the growth, and celebrate the change.

Look back to keep going forward. Find security in the seasons of maturity and beauty in the hindsight.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” ~ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:12‬

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