Out of Sight, But Not Out of Mind

 

Like me, I am sure you have seen many posts recently about your young adult leaving to go to college or university or embark on an adventure that takes them away from their nest.
But as I posted a long time ago, even though they may leave the nest, we are still creating a space for them to return to wherever you are, and whatever that looks like is still home-base.
I am also in the same season as many of you, where your children embark on a new adventure that takes them away from living at home to a new place where they can rest their heads. This also means that my homeschooling has officially ended, and I’m now watching my fifth child head off to high school and create her pathway from grade 9 to 12 at a local Christian high school.
She may be out of sight as she leaves for the day, but she will never be out of my mind. The beauty we have as parents is that we have to remember the power of prayer. It is never something to take for granted. Our kids may be on our minds, but we don’t have to lament a loss. We can take every thought captive that might be causing us to be upset or anxious and turn it into prayer. It needs to be a moment of gratitude for all the time you have had and everything to come.
I have never been in this position before, and it is brand new for me. I have never known a home without children around constantly, which is a huge statement.

For over 17 years, I have planned the curriculum and schedule for our kids. Each day, I had a plan. Let me be honest: some days, there was no plan, and it was a bit of a disaster! Some days, the plan was great and worked—well, maybe for one child! But that is a win!
Like my podcast Seasons of Motherhood, we all have seasons, and some seasons are more challenging. But even in a season that seems to be going relatively smoothly, we will still have roadblocks!

Navigating a new season takes a lot of courage and bravery. Many of you watch your child go off to college or university for the first time or, like me, go from homeschooling to high school. Perhaps your child has moved out and married. Maybe they’re starting a new job far away, or possibly they are across the world embarking on a travelling journey. There are so many different reasons why September can be challenging and incredibly beautiful.

You are not alone.

This season is not an accident; we must remember who ultimately controls it. 

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) 

We know that God is sovereign and in control, and sometimes, it’s hard to remember that because we are quick to navigate our lives and try to be in control!

As I write this, tomorrow will be very different for me. But I also know that even before I could imagine, God had this day planned, and I have to choose to rest in the truth that God is in control, not me.
He hems my children in front and behind them; according to Psalms, he is in control, loving, and good!

 

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
³ You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
⁵ You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it”. Psalm 139:1-6

 

 

You may be saying goodbye to your child going off to kindergarten, or it could be your first day of homeschooling. I remember that day as if it were yesterday! That’s a blog for the future! Whatever situation you find yourself in, be grateful, write down the good things, and remember that it’s one day at a time, one prayer at a time. We don’t take on an entire school year in one moment. Even if they are out of sight, remember they are not out of mind. You can bring them to the Lord in prayer, and that is a game changer.

I know who I am because I know who you are- that is what gets me through my now and my tomorrow.  May this song bless you greatly!

 

 

Healing Balm

 

2 responses to “OUT OF SIGHT, BUT NOT OUT OF MIND”

1. So well written as you wade through your present life and changes. You encourage others by being willing to write about it…. and remind the reader God is there as their refuge too. Bless you♥️

   Reply

   • Thank you mom!!!!! Love you

     Reply