I’ve been so excited this week for all the kids to go back to school. No, not because I want to get rid of them, I just know they are ready. Ready to get back into the swing of things..sports, friends, clubs. Dare I say…school work!
All three of my kids are in new schools this year. My son is going off to college and I can’t tell you how many people have asked me how I’m feeling about that.
There’s something about letting go of our kids, letting them be all that God created them to be..on their own. Something that a Mom’s heart shouts with a joy cry…he’s a man now. It doesn’t happen over night you know, there are little milestones along the way. Then you reach a point when it’s just time. Time to say goodbye. Not forever, but to let them go and make their own way.
Many years ago, God shared a secret with me that I treasure in my heart everyday. He whispered to my heart… “You’ll always be their Mom.”
Before I had that little secret hidden deep within my heart, I would sometimes feel abandoned… fearful. I was sure that my kids would go off and leave me as they got older and not need a Mom!
We have a blended family, which brings about a many interesting scenarios and situations in family life. I remember when my older kids got a new Step Mom. I was sure that she would take my place. That my kids would love her more and me less.
Over the years, situations have happened where my kids’ Step Mom was..well let’s just say, overstepping her bounds and I was beginning to get that feeling again. That feeling that my kids don’t need me and that they loved her more than me.
I remember seeking God about this whole situation. That’s when He spoke clearly to my heart, “You’ll always be their Mom, always!”
I had such a peace, such joy in my heart because when you think about it, that super special one of a kind job can never be taken away!
That little secret has stayed deep within my heart for many years now…and as I have let my kids grow up and move out, my experience has been…
I’ll always be their Mom.
They always come back. They always call. They always remember.
So how do I feel about my son going off to college? My heart sings, cries, laughs, longs, breaks, rejoices..all at the same time. I celebrate and grieve as he pushes back and exerts his new found grown up status.
I remember..I’m still his Mom, made just for him.
So as Moms let’s treasure this precious little secret together as we let our little/big ones grow up and have experiences.
Let’s treasure this little secret in our hearts…together. We can help each other remember it’s always true.
Shari can be found blogging on allmomdoes every Friday. To read more of her blogs, click here!
