The time was here to say goodbye, not wanting to let go of her, I knew I had to be strong and release her from my grip. Watching her walk into the airport, knowing this would be the last time I would see her in person for at least 10 months, as she was flying back to her current duty station and would be moving to the next, which is across the world. Realization set in, I would not be able to jump in the car or take a quick flight if she needed me. Heartbroken for sure. Parenthood can be a trap (sarcasm); we raise them, and then we must let them go. Let them fly on their own.
Most moms have the same fear: Did we teach them enough so that they can grow on their own and make the right decisions? I know all I can do is teach and, more importantly, show and pray that their children make good decisions, especially when they leave the house. To add to this fear, my oldest decided during her senior year in high school that she wanted to join the military. Was I surprised? Shocked, in fact. This was never in the realm of what she discussed her future may be. However, the pride filled my heart.
She may now belong to the U.S. government, but she is always going to be mine; she is my heart. Her soul is unmatched, she is kind, beautiful inside and out. And oh, how she loves Jesus. As I watch from the sidelines as she makes these steps, I could not be prouder of her, and with that being said, when she signed on the dotted line and took the oath, she signed us all up for this journey; we would just be supporting her from here. What a wonderful adventure it will be seeing things, places, and people most would never have the opportunity to see.
There is fear in this as well. We always hear stories of the atrocities of the world and pray they never come to our doorsteps. How do I trust she will return home safe and unharmed?
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
I have hung onto this verse since I dropped her off at boot camp a year ago. It is on repeat in my head. It has helped me sleep when sleep has failed me, and my worries have kept me up.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Luke 12:25
My first and last prayer of every day is always to keep her from harm, and that she puts Jesus first. I know that I know she is saved by the grace of God, and she is loved by Him. He will guide and protect her. She trusts the Lord with her life as it belongs to Him.
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
As I watch her walk in the door, tears in her eyes and mine running down my cheeks, my head was screaming don’t let her go, you cannot protect her there and then like a wave a sense of peace came over knowing she is going with God and HE has plans for her and this was a part of HIS grand plan. I trust HIM with her life as she belongs to HIM more than she belongs to me.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Missy Burks
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#missyburksblogs