Never Easy

Daily writing prompt

What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? Why?

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As mothers we soon realize that our babies were born with a mind of their own. They develop a food palate that often frustrates us. Picky eaters are the worst. Hairstyles, tastes in clothing and music can lead to spirited discussions at times. Their choices in many ways can leave us wondering if they came from our loins. Nevertheless we love them. Later their wings take form and they fly. I have never and will never suffer from that ’empty nest’ syndrome I often hear of. I love to see them fly. It’s in letting go that we somehow begin to see the cracks in our own person. That need to want to fix everything – protect them from the harsh realities of life. Cocoon them and place a bandage on all their wounds.

One of the hardest thing I have ever done is letting my children go to fly into the storms of life. Watching them stumble over their own mistakes. Struggle through the agony of defeat and endure the bitter-sweet thing called life. They had to do it on their own terms. Why? While I’ll be there as much as I can, I won’t always be here. Their root cannot be buried in me – I too can fail and fall short.

There is ONE who will never drop them. They can always follow where He leads. Tethered to Him, they’ll find a kind of grit and strength that will cause them face the most herculean tasks with confidence. I’d like to fool myself into believing, I am their everything – I’ve long discovered I can’t. So I’ve chosen to let go – sometimes with an aching heart. Sometimes with a smile. Neither has been easy. I’ve learned there’s a Father who is quite capable of being their everything. He will never fall short.

“All your sons will be taught by the LORD; And the well-being of your sons will be great.” [Isaiah 54:13] NASB