Letting them go

Today I got in my vehicle with my son. I was thinking "great" we can talk. To any parent in my position you probably know what's coming next....ear buds! Ear buds mean you have lost them. At least for the time being. That was okay because it was early in the 9 hour drive and I was nervous about him helping me drive.

Instead, I was able to hear to hear a sermon on KHCB. It was a sermon by Charles Swindoll. He spoke of children and letting them go. "Wow" I thought! Really? This all started with this trip. My husband said "since y'all are going to tour the college, he can help you drive!" "Drive"... I thought, "he's just a child!"

I then remember our friend telling us he had to let his son drive to Dallas as he begins college at a Dallas University. I also remember a breath escaping at another friend that let his daughter drive from the ranch hours away just her and her brother. What am I thinking? These "kids" are 17 and 18 years old. I still could not see my son driving 80 mph in a 75 mph freeway. No! No! No!

Then Charles Swindol talks about allowing kids to get out on their own. You know there are kids that don't ever leave...he spoke of giving them a "Declaration of Independence." That is letting them know they are now adults and on their own. That does not mean to sever the ties as parents but it does mean make them responsible for their adult lives. I can even be comfortable with long distance driving!

My issue was minor...driving! I can not fathom what I would have done if someone cut him off or if we had to pass a big rig. The day is coming and in fact is here when I have to let go. To you parents of seniors I say "be strong!" I, on the other hand am working on that. As time passes, I am dreading the moment when I will actually have to turn the keys over. The vehicle is much bigger than he is used to, the road is foreign, there are big rigs everywhere....oh dear.

All that anxiety and i have driven for hours already when he delivers the news..."Mom, I forgot my wallet!" no wallet, no license...I buckle in for the rest of the drive as he asks "mom, may i take a nap in the back seat." he's still my boy and suddenly, for the moment, letting go isn't that difficult!

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:10-11