02/19 - Preparing Your Kids to Leave
I DO, WE DID, NOW WHAT?
The Legacy of Roots and Wings
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may, have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)
Two years in a row we delivered a son to college. The emotional drive home was always tearful and our hearts already missed their presence yet we knew they were born to leave. These sons, precious gifts entrusted to us for a short season. Reflecting back on this time I felt God’s prompting in my heart that kids need roots grounded in His love and wings woven together with His grace. They will prevail and bear the fruits of a legacy of faith.
A parent is the first image bearer and vessel of God’s extravagant unconditional love. Parents who love well provide a home that is a refuge. These children have a better chance of knowing God’s heart toward them. They know they are deeply loved, cherished and completely safe. This heart has a better chance of remaining tender and surrendering it to Jesus. In return, as they grow they too are more likely to love well and become true image bearers and vessels of God’s love to others.
Living life takes practice. When kids leave, they will make mistakes as they begin to spread their wings towards independence. Grace gives kids the courage to pick themselves up and try again. Grace empowers them to walk their unique life path and fulfill the purposes God has set before them. They also know how to extend God’s grace to others because it has been generously given to them through the example set by their parents.
Lastly, parents are flawed humans and God in His great mercy extends grace for their mistakes. When we humbly ask, the door of hope, healing and redemption is opened wide and freely given.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for trusting us to raise Your children and prepare them for life. Please grant us the wisdom to give them solid roots that are grounded in Your love and wings that are woven with Your grace. Help us to pass on a legacy of faith; a legacy that matters for all eternity. Grant us mercy and grace for our mistakes. Thank you for loving us - flawed people. Thank you for Jesus. Amen.