Today I read a note by someone I know. They were writing in their blog about the fact that in a month their son would be moving out to go to university. With a great deal of heart and truth this dad wrote about how this was right, good and fitting for his son to go - but that it hurt. There was a separation - a changing of the relationship that he knew was permanent.
I have to say that I can't imagine that. I mean, I really can't imagine my kids leaving my house in any permanent way. Don't get me wrong - I know it's going to happen. In fact, my wife and I have often talked about the fact that our job is to raise kids that are wise, independent, able to fend for themselves and who have seen (and hopefully have also chosen) a life that is spiritually connected to Jesus Christ.
Maybe, in the wisdom of God, these "separations" happen gradually. On Sunday my son will be going to camp for the very first time. He is only 8. And, to be honest, my heart sort of aches a bit at the prospect of him being gone for 6 days. It's not because the camp is questionable. It's not because I don't think he is ready. In fact, the camp looks great - wake boarding, waterskiing, archery, swimming - everything! And, he is going with a kid his age from church to a camp that has it's sights set on growing his heart for Jesus. What more could a parent ask for?
So, I am excited for him and all that next week holds for him. I will be praying that he is safe, that he has tonnes of fun - and that the faith he has in Jesus grows. Somehow, however, - I suspect that I am going to have to grow as well. Maybe it's a growing in faith and trust that God has my kids well in hand.
Hmmm, seems like change makes us grow in ways that we never would have on our own.
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