Quote: Don't Hold Onto Your Children So Tightly That God Can't Move Them - Unknown
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I am only in the beginning stages of my "empty nest" years. My oldest son, age 17, is now a High School Senior with firm plans for his future. After he graduates in the Spring, he plans to attend North Georgia College and State University. NGCSU is one of the top military colleges in the country - perhaps THE top. Drew plans to serve in the Georgia National Guard until he graduates. Then, he will either enter the Army full time or he will continue to serve in National Guard.
1. Am I struggling with the fact that my son is preparing to leave home? YES
2. Am I worried about his safety? YES
3. Do I wish he would decide to stay close to home? YES
4. Do I wish he would choose another course in life? Sometimes, but what an honorable choice he has made!
5. Am I proud of him? Absolutely!
6. Do I want to hold onto him an never let him go? With all my heart.
So often I wish I could hold onto my children tightly. I wish I could persuade them to stay close to me and accept the safest jobs. I wish I could always be there to make the best decisions for them and always protect them from the pain that life often brings. Yes, I do wish I could hold on to them - and hold on tight.
However, if I hold on to them too tightly and force them to make decisions based on my own personal opinions and desires, how will God use them? All of my children make decisions based on biblical truths and what they believe is God's best for them. If God guides my children in one direction and I, in order to satisfy my own selfish goals, persuade them to choose a different path, I have interfered with God's perfect plan for their lives.
God has entrusted me to raise my children to trust Him and to be independent and confident. Once they reach adulthood, it is God's plan for them to follow His guidance. I look forward to watching my children mature as they should. I am not looking forward to the pain of letting them go.
Mark Harris has written a beautiful song entitled "Find Your Wings." I have kind of adopted it for my children as they approach adulthood.
I hope you enjoy the song.
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Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I knew this time would come and everyone warned me about how quickly it would arrive, but still, I'm not prepared. I think about how quickly the past 17 years have passed and how quickly the next several months will go by and my heart breaks at the thought of watching my baby boy go off on his own. Then, my two girls are not far behind. However, they do follow God so I know we will all be fine. Thank you again for your encouragement.
I have 3 kids as well. My oldest is now 18 and a senior in High school. I know that day is coming for me when I cry as I watch him leave but cheer when he starts to fly. One thing I am thankful for is the spread in years between my kids. Next to go is only 14 and then my daughter only 6. I'll be raising kids until I'm nearly 60.
So, Fred, we both have High School Seniors who will soon be entering the "adult" world - sort of. I am not handling this very well. My children are my world. My three are close in age. The next two are 15 and 12. This February, we are planning a big birthday party for all three as they are all celebrating milestone birthdays: 13, 16, and 18. I get to go this pretty much constantly for the next five years! Enjoy your younger children (and the older one too)! :)
Tina,
As a proud member of the Washington Army National Guard I want to assure you that Drew's decision to join the National Guard will be, by far, one of the best and most satisfying choice he has ever made.
I too joined at the age of seventeen and am proud to have had the opportunity to serve along some of this country's best men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting the rights of Americans.
Tell your son that I wish him the best of luck and that to remember as he going through Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training that the fastest way to get home it to get though it. Also, never let your fuard down and that no matter what happens, DRIVE ON.
And for you, a wonderful and supportive mother, remember to be just that. Let Drew make these decision all on his own unless he asks for your help. I have learned that part of growing up is refusal to fail... and failing anyway. Drew will do great in the Army and it makes me proud to know such a strong young Soldier will be joining me in the ranks.
HOOAH
Wrhapsody, thank you so much for your kind comment. I will certainly let Drew read this. It sounds like you are a fine soldier. Thank you for your service! I thank you and your country thanks you. I am confident that Drew will do well as he serves with people like you to serve with him. May God bless you and keep you safe - and those who serve with you as well.
lifegate Level 6 Commenter 19 months ago
Tina,
That was beautiful! I've watched my kids grow and leave home. They have their own families now, and somehow Mom and Dad don't seem so important. Still they call several times a week from locations throughout the USA. They still come home for the holidays. Still they never forget what they learned in the first 18 years of their life. If they follow God, they'll be okay--and you'll be okay.