Day 11- Faith Journey…Detour
On Day 10, I shared how our Ryan was learning to walk with a pint-sized walker. I hope you saw his picture. He was just so determined…and fast! We took a look at Colossians 1:9-13. God’s desire is to “fill us up with the knowledge of His will…so that we may walk worthy of The Lord.” Walking worthy is an active faith.
Today we will take a little detour on our Faith Journey. I had saved room toward the end of this 30 day devotion for this particular entry. However, I felt led to share it real-time.
As a background for today’s entry, I wrote a post about our youngest son, Landon’s senior year of high school. Â I shared how God had done amazing things in and through him despite unmet expectations. This writing will help you better understand the amazing young man Landon has become. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to read Landon’s Faith Journey this year:Â https://christadeann.com/family-helping-our-children-navigate-difficult-decisions/
As a continuation to Landon’s Faith Journey (and mine), this past week we dropped him off at college.
This summer, Landon and I worked together to prepare for his college departure. He and I shopped all summer for the necessary college dorm paraphernalia. We discovered it’s necessary to plan well for creative storage solutions. We talked through what might and might not work, picked out bedding, and shopped for small appliances and school supplies.
Finally, the day we had been preparing for all summer had arrived. We packed the car and head for Valdosta State University. After arrival, we worked hard to get Landon settled and organized in his new digs. When all was done, the 4 of us had a sweet time of prayer over Landon, his new home, his roommate, and his new mission field that God had called him to.
The next day, Ron, Ryan, and I finished up some last-minute shopping in Georgia while Landon was at orientation. That afternoon, we dropped his items off, hugged him, said our “good-byes,”and left without Landon.
In that moment, the daunting realization overcame me, Landon was not coming home with us…He was home. Landon’s new address was VSU, Valdosta, Georgia.
I cried off and on all the way home. I was not emotional because I thought Landon was outside of God’s will for his life. I was emotional because our role of “raising” him was done. I had the sobering realization that our roles now shift from parenting to advising. We have trained Landon up to the best of our ability with The Lord’s grace and guidance. Now it’s his turn, Landon has to be his own man and grow into the spiritual warrior God has designed him to be…apart from us. My head knows this well. However, my heart is having a hard time catching up.
For the past couple of days, Â I have instinctively gone into Landon’s room to say good night…he’s not there. I have looked out the window for his truck…it’s not there. I have walked down the hall to ask what he wanted for dinner…he’s not there. It’s harder than I ever imagined. I miss him terribly.
In the blink of an eye, eighteen years of care, nurture, discipline, discipleship, love, prayer, worry, homework help, doctors appointments, orthodontist appointments, school shopping, and football games all while under the safety and security of the Smith home…are done. My role now is to pray for Landon and advise when asked. AND…keep him accountable for his grades since we are paying the bills, of course! 🙂
This is the beginning of a new season for us and for Landon. Ron and I will have to navigate without him under our roof every night. We have to place him before the altar of The Lord and trust that He will meet Landon’s every need. I trust the Only One who can because, “Thus far, The Lord has helped us.”
- Read Deuteronomy 6:7-9
What are we to teach our children?
What does this scripture tell us about how we should teach them?
- Read Proverbs 22:6
What do you think the phrase “train up a child in the way he should go” means?
My husband taught on Proverbs 22:6 in a way that was eye opening several years ago. He shared that this Proverb (wisdom or councel ) it is not a promise. We would like to think it is, of course. The truth is that to “train up a child in the way he should go,” means to be a learner of your child’s natural and spiritual giftedness. Understanding this, helps us to lead them toward God’s calling in their lives. When you and I are teaching The Lord’s commands in our home and becoming learners of our children; we are preparing them physically, emotionally, and spiritually for God’s work in their lives…for their callings.
We must be actively involved in the discipleship of our children. Pray with them. Have daily devotions with them. As Deuteronomy 6:7-9 instructs…as you go…teach. Take every opportunity to have conversations to raise them up in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our kiddos need to see authenticy in our Faith Journey. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what we say about scripture, if we are not living out scripture. That’s faith in action…be authentic.
Sending your children off to college or out into the world to pursue their adult calling causes some serious parenting reflection. But, there comes a point where we have to let go and let God…
Pray over your children and grandchildren today. Beg The Lord, on their behalf, to fill in the gaps of your influence with His grace. Praise Him for the fruit you already see being produced in their lives.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16- 17
I am praying for all you mommas sending your babies off to school. They grow up fast. Treasure every moment. I covet your prayers as I navigate this new season in my life.
Landon’s new home at VSU.
