Yesterday, my son graduated from high school. This is the third child that I’ve graduated, and it doesn’t get any easier. It’s tough watching your children grow up. On one hand, I’m so excited to watch what he does as he prepares to launch. On the other, I will miss the time I spend with him so much.
I often wonder, “Did I do enough?” This is a big question that is difficult to answer. I know that I threw my heart and soul into raising him, and sought God’s guidance along the way.
As I’ve learned all too well over the past year, our grown children will make their own choices. There is no secret sauce to success that will ensure that our children will continue walking with God. Oh, how I wish there was. Even when we give our children the right tools to do well in life, sometimes they won’t listen to our advice. This can be devastating to us as moms.
While what we do is kingdom work, we cannot let the salvation of our children rest on our shoulders. I fell into this trap for many years. I thought, if I did x, y and z, then my children would live their lives wholeheartedly for the Lord. There are so many homeschool and blog materials out their that lead me to believe this.
Keeping this weight on our shoulders can be crushing. Sometimes I forget about the light burden that the Lord wants to give me and instead accept a heavy weight, which keeps me from serving my husband and children to the best of my ability. As moms, we feel a deep connection with even our adult children and hurt when they hurt.
To me, this is the hardest stage of motherhood. We can sow many good seeds into our children’s lives, and hope that they will one day reap a harvest of righteousness. While this is true, we also must understand that our adult children will make their own choices.
To my son on the cusp of adulthood, I hope you choose Him. Over and over again.
Sweet mama who wondered if they did enough, rest assured you have if you’ve pointed them to the Savior with your actions and words. Take His easy yoke and light burden and rest.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Watching our children launch is hard, but we can make it through by the grace of God.
It helps to still have so many littles by my side. Children are a blessing! We plan to visit the local aquarium this afternoon after I whip up a few Etsy orders. I can’t wait to see it through their eyes.
Many blessings, ladies!