When I reflect on my early days of parenting, what comes to mind are the times my children were dependent on me for EVERYTHING.
Each child has had their own challenges and adversities to work through and overcome.
I knew it was my job during that season to help them and I embraced it. It was a period of my life that required a lot of time and energy, both physical and emotional.
Truthfully, there were days it seemed as if that’s how it would always be. Yet, here I am now observing each of my children thriving in their own stage of independence.
I have been pleasantly surprised to see the determination in each of them to run with what they’ve learned and own it for themselves. I have felt the Holy Spirit gently reminding me that I have to trust how He is guiding them as they figure out life for themselves.
Words can’t describe how grateful I am to God for helping each one to accomplish a variety of things. But I have to be honest: I still struggle with worrying about them.
“If she just did this, then …”
“If he would just listen about this, then …”
“If she doesn’t do this, then …”
I’m reminded of the passage found in Luke 2:41-49 when Mary and Joseph realized Jesus was missing during their travels and ultimately, found Him among teachers in the temple. The Bible states that they were astonished when they found Him. They had expressed how anxious they were when searching for Him. Jesus’ response was that He was doing His Father’s business which they did not understand at that time.
The Gospels reveal to us how Joseph and Mary stewarded their responsibility well in raising Jesus. But a time came when He realized what He was called to do. And Jesus embraced it. His parents struggled but eventually, they understood.
What an eye-opener for anyone who is stewarding the Lord’s little ones. He entrusts them to us for a time … to nurture them, to teach them, and to help them grow in wisdom and stature. But there will come a time when our children will take all that they’ve learned and apply it to what they have been created to do.
We too may have anxiety about where they are and then find ourselves astonished at the places God will have them seated. But what joy in knowing they are fulfilling the plans God has for them.
Isaiah 26:3 AMP states, “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You …], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].”
Dear Friend, trust God with your children. He will replace your worries with His peace.
~Joyce
