fly

In over 30 years, the only time I saw my mother-in-law cry 

was the night we moved away from her.

She cried as she said good-bye to my small sons in their bunk bed.

Her emotions took me by surprise. 

But now one of those sons is moving away with his family.

And I know.

I feel the impending ache of empty arms 

as a tall, strong son leaves to make a better life for his family. 

And I cry with sadness and wonder over the love that

knits the hearts of my daughter-in-love and me.

  

In church on Sunday I nuzzled my lips across Lily's warm, fuzzy head,

brushing her little bit of silken hair.

And I prayed.

I prayed for strength for the coming separation.

I prayed to have trust in God's promise to always care for us.

I asked for a confidence to push away my doubts, desires and emotions
and simply let God be God and do His thing.

It is the right thing to do, and what choice do I have?
But it's oh so hard.

Because I hate letting them go.
And letting go is a matter not of the heart, but the will.
I am at times a weak believer,
not strong in the ways of God. 

Then.
I remember the promise made to myself.
That I will not put selfish desires before the needs of my growing children.
When I sense they need to learn, I'll let them find a way.
When they need to try, I'll stand back.
When a failure will teach them, I'll allow them to fall.
When they seek God, I will not undermine their obedience to Him.
When I see Him working in their lives, I will thank Him.
And when they need to move away,
I'll stand aside
and encourage them to fly.
By God's grace, I will release them
so they can fly.

We know that all things work together for good
to those who love God.
Romans 8:28

The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God,
but that He will be free to do His work through us.
- Oswald Chambers