David and I are officially settling into our new roles as empty nesters, while our son settles into his freshman year of college. As he takes on this new phase of life, I can’t help but wonder if we’ve given him enough as parents. Does he know how much we love him? Does he know how to handle his new workload? Will he make new friends easily? Does he know how to sort his laundry?!
I have moments in which I am tempted to worry; tempted to second-guess God’s faithfulness and feel the crushing need to take matters into my own hands. But then I look at my children and see so clearly that God’s been holding them in his hands all along. They are his before they are mine, and that realization takes the crushing pressure off my shoulders.
As our family continues adjusting to our youngest son being away at college, I continue thinking of the most important things I want him to know. Yes, I do care that he’s on time to class and that he does his laundry (oh Lord, please let him do his laundry!), but those aren’t my biggest hopes for him in this new phase of life. As his mom who loves him more than he can ever understand, here are the ten most important things I want Nathan to know:
- The sky is the limit when it comes to your dreams. Set the bar HIGH and dream big, because right now you have the freedom to do absolutely anything.
- Soak up all the knowledge you possibly can. At times it will feel like you’re drinking through a fire hose, but this is the easiest time to learn and experience new things without the demands of a job or a family.
- Don’t forget to breathe. You are going to feel overwhelmed, especially here in the beginning, but don’t lose hope. Take time to step back and check your perspective.
- Don’t ever quit or give up. Don’t lose sight of what your goals are, and do all you can to achieve them.
- Study and work hard—that’s the main reason you’re in college
- …but don’t forget to have a little fun too. Some of the lessons college will teach you can’t be learned in a classroom.
- Try new things! Don’t get stuck in a rut, only doing what is familiar to you. Opportunity surrounds you, so take advantage of it and step outside your comfort zone. You won’t regret it.
- Remember that people are more important than textbooks. Take time to connect and make new friends.
- Dad and I are unbelievably proud of you and the man you’re becoming. We are your biggest fans, and always will be.
- Don’t forget to text your mom every once in a while…she misses you.
And that’s it. So as I sit here typing on a very average weekday, thinking about what our kids are doing right this very moment, I’m reminded that while I’m not with them, my prayers are going out over them; that even in our separation God is still caring for them.
Do any other parents feel this way? What lessons do you most want to impart to your kids?
My thoughts exactly. I’m going to need to remember these when Brooks leaves. I also want him to know that chasing money shouldn’t be at the expense of relationships. And ditto call your mom!
Jennifer- there’s so much you want to tell them, but some of it they will just have to learn on their own. Our boys are good, intelligent young men- they’ll do fine!