Sending Children Off or Back to College

Today I hosted a baby shower for a friend.  This was so much fun and a great distraction for me since...

...also today, my 21-year-old moved out to a house with three other young men near his college.  

Home

Packing up

New home away from home

Yes, I cried. But only  for about 5 minutes which is amazing since this time last year I was a wreck for weeks (it was the first time).  See previous blog #1 and #2.   For us, thank the Lord, our son's college is in our area and he lives only about 25 minutes from our home.   Even so, the good-byes are still hard as we are close and I just simply enjoy the company of our son.  We are blessed that he also enjoys time with us as well.  

For all you parents out there sending your "child" off for the first time, especially those whose students are moving far away or out of state, you'll get through this and next year will be better.  I promise.  We raise them to be out on their own one day and this is good training for them to begin that stage of life--making choices, paying bills, making new friends, etc.   It's also good for us moms to begin releasing the young arrows one at a time.  They cannot stay in the quiver forever...but we will always welcome them home no matter how long or brief a time that may be.  :)

Psalm 127:3-5 

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, 

The fruit of the womb is a reward. 

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth. 

How blessed is the (wo)man whose quiver is full of them... 

FAITH: Waiting on the Right Tenant

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6-7

So many changes and choices in our household lately. I had not realized how much a person of familiarity and sameness I am until this week. Another one is occurring tomorrow--our excellent tenant in our rental house is moving out. He has been so patient and diligent for this past last year. We had some trees fall on the house several months ago and he's dealt with construction, leaks and pests so gracefully while we worked to get contractors hired and things repaired. Unfortunately he was laid off from his job and needs to move back home for a time to save money. We are sorry to see him leave but await to see whom God is going to send to our little house next. We've had calls almost every single day since we put the FOR RENT sign in the front yard. Three couples are extremely interested and my husband is showing the house on Saturday morning. We pray in faith that a special single or couple will rent the place since it is my husband's childhood home (remodeled) and we know so many of the neighbors. The sooner the better since there are some expenses in maintaining the house and it's an income buffer for us as well. Waiting on the Lord...His timing is not always ours but we know it will be perfect.