Graduation. A time of change.

As graduation invitations continue to arrive in our mailbox (and some invites via facebook), I find myself thinking about the changes these kids and their families are about to experience.

I think about the little preschool graduates heading off to kindergarten in the fall. For most children, this means in school ALL day, EVERY day, Monday through Friday. This is a BIG change for them. And not only for them, but for their siblings (playmates), and especially for you moms and dads. It’s a time when we realize our children are growing up.

Then I think about the kids graduating (from High School or Home School) and heading off to college or new jobs. Leaving the comforts of their homes to live on their own for the very first time. A new found freedom for them, and a sense of loss for us parents.

This year I get to experience my first grandchildren walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Wow! I can’t believe how fast these eighteen years have flown by (yes I know everyone says how fast time goes, but it is so true). I am excited for them! What the future might hold for them. But I am also saddened by the thought that I will be seeing a little less of them.

Releasing and letting our children experience life is not easy. I have shed tears at every stage. But God goes before us. He loves us. He loves our children. For me, the question is do I trust God with these lives or am I trying to be in control.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Proverbs 2: 1-15 (NIV)

My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
who have left the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.