Later this week, our son will walk proudly and confidently across the stage to receive his high school honors diploma. Does he realize the significance of the fact that as he steps up onto the platform he’s just a high school senior, but as he walks off the stage he’s a man who holds the future in his hands?
As Nathan steps into this next season of life, he has a new load of responsibility. Not only will he have to do his own laundry, he will also have to keep up with his courses and take initiative, keep his head on his shoulders and make wise decisions, step out of his comfort zone and meet new people, manage his time, and remember that his momma will need to hear from him once in a while….(maybe several times those first few days!).
As I think on all our son is about to face, so many questions flood my mind.
Did we teach him all that’s necessary?
Will he make the most of this opportunity?
Does he know how very proud we are of him?
Will he succeed and accomplish all he sets his mind to?
How will David and I handle an empty house?
We’ve been praying about what God has in store for us in this next chapter in life and we’ve felt fairly confident that even though we will miss having a house full of teen boys, that David and I will enjoy having time together. But recently some feelings of uncertainty and doubt have crept in occasionally.
Will we be ok when the time really comes?
As Nathan’s roles and responsibilities change, so will ours–will we all adjust?
David and I must learn how to parent Nathan differently, with a more open hand instead of such a tight fist. I remember having to learn this when our daughter graduated from high school as well. It was a learning curve for all of us back then because it was uncharted territory. I’m hoping it will come easier for us this time since we’ve tried it once before, but it’s still hard to let go.
Nathan must learn to step into his newly acquired adult shoes. Trust me, Nathan loves shoes. He has piles and piles of them. Red ones, grey ones, canvas ones, leather ones, navy ones, plain ones, ones with palm trees…. I’m just not super sure he’s ready for the adult sized ones that he’ll have to wear every day now. He might not be able to switch them out every day like he’s been accustomed to doing.
In all my uneasiness I’m comforted by scripture….
“Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it.” Proverbs 22:6
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” Jeremiah 29:11
Ecclesiastes 3 reminds me that “there’s a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…” As we all learn our new roles and responsibilities and as we try to find our new groove in the months ahead, I know that God will help us adjust. I know deep down, that we will all be ok, it’s just becoming more of reality and as it approaches, anxiety threatens to knock on my door. Even in the midst of changing seasons, I am confident that the God who brought us this far will continue guiding us.
How have you seen God’s faithfulness in life’s changing seasons?
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