A major change came to our family this fall. Since I talked about it ad nauseum for months, I decided to let it lay for a while, but those of you who have faithfully prayed for our family deserve to know the impact of your prayers.
The boy's doing well in college.
It hasn't been easy, but he's finding his way. Quite honestly, he's surprised me in many ways. He can and DOES do laundry. He has learned to navigate in a new town. He's not intimidated by "flippant" drivers, drunk classmates or cursing transvestites (Nebraska isn't all cornfields and football, people).
The most exciting thing I'm seeing in him is a determination to follow God. I knew he would try, but I didn't fully grasp his resolve to do so. His blog posts Kicked out of the Bird's Nest and Alleviating the Ictus show me he is taking less than ideal circumstances, frustrations and worries and trusting them to God, letting Him be his ultimate source of comfort and strength. He's going to be okay. He really is. Thank You, Jesus.
And the rest of us?
My heart has been warmed to see his siblings miss him. They DO love each other. Can you hear "The Hallelujah Chorus"? Our older daughter has become our fount of information as they text back and forth daily. (She's seeing he won't forget her.) Thanks to technology, we are all staying connected pretty easily, and in some ways better than when he actually lived here. We miss him and his fun-loving nature around the house, but it does allow for other personalities to show through. I'm seeing things in my other kids I haven't noticed before too.
And believe it or not, I'm discovering the art of backing off can be quite freeing. Not knowing the specific happenings of his every day gives me less to worry about. I like seeing his desire to handle things on his own and can respect it. He's becoming a man. I enjoy hearing his already older sounding voice and love it when he pops in to chat if he sees me on Facebook. Our relationship is changing, for the better. Who wouldn't be happy about that?
I thank you, my friends, for your prayers. They have truly made a difference for this family. I praise our Almighty God who captured the heart of my son and allowed me to see it.
He's going to be okay. He really is. And so are we. Thank You, Jesus.
Related links:
Letting Go, But Holding On
Not As Tough As She Seems
We Made It!
Un-nesting
I Survived
For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris. While you're there, wish her a great big "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
8 comments:
Glad to know that he is settling into college well. Even happier to know that you are doing well. Thanks for the update. If you don't think he'll mind, I'll add his blog to my reader, then I'll know more specifically how to pray for him. Gotta love technology.
MiPa,
Please do add his blog to your reader. He wouldn't mind at all. He'd probably say, "Cool."
Tami, So glad it is all going well. I read the posts you shared from your son's blog... what a great guy he is relying on God... so hard to do in college.
Happy Thankful Thursday!
Such a happy Thankful Thursday for you and all of your family! God bless.
I'm so glad to hear it.
That is good news. I often wonder what it will be like when my boys leave the nest. I'm happy to hear that it actually can be a good experience!
:)
Hey Tammy,
Another great testimony to the faithfulness of God!! Isn't it wonderful we when get to experience God's peace, knowing He truly has everything under control?
Your son in one amazing young man, and you should be so proud of him.
God is up to something great in his life, he has such a tender heart for the Lord. (read his blog)
Yes, letting go can be one the hardest things we do as mom's, but you've truly prepared him for this season. Great job mom!
Blessings to you this day~
Oh, I hope I can say such happy things when my boys leave the nest!
Thanks for helping me remember to hope.
Post a Comment