My little guy, my one and only, started preschool earlier this month. Twice a week, I pack his Toy Story backpack with extra clothes {because accidents do happen – but thankfully not yet!} and a snack, give him a hug and a kiss, and send him off with his dad, who will take him to school and walk him to his classroom.
Friends, these are uncharted waters, at least for our little family.
For three years, I have had him by my side, almost constantly, every single day of his life. He is my constant companion – whether it is to work in the garden, shop at Target, or go to the library {and yes, to go to the bathroom}. Whatever we do, we do it together.
And on the morning of August 8, 2013, I began the slow process of letting him go.
Start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 {ESV}
I really love how the ESV translates the first part of this verse – “Start children off in the way they should go…”
The way we start something has an enormous impact on the way we will finish, whether that’s a new job, a workout plan, or parenting. Not to say we can’t change our course mid-stream – no parent is perfect, and we will need to make adjustments along the way.
But, as parents – as moms – our overarching purpose in raising our children is to do so in a way that leads them to love the Lord and to love others. As many of us send our kids out into the world this month, consider how we are “starting”:
- Am I teaching my children the importance of daily time with God, in prayer and in the Word?
- Is my family active in a local body of believers, connecting with others within our church?
- Do my children see me actively engaged in ministry in our church and community?
- Am I quick to apologize when I have wronged my children, and to forgive when they have hurt me?
- Do I see my children as my mission field?
These are just a few, simple questions we can ask ourselves to ensure we are on the right footing. . .moving in the way we should go.
What about you? Are you intentional about starting well with your children? How are you doing?
It’s hard to take those steps of letting go, but knowing you have started them well can give you confidence. Thanks Beth.
Thank you, Lindsay!
I remember those days Beth…how I cried on their first days of school..praying and trusting that God would guide their every step and protect them along the way. There have been some tough times but I’ve always held tight to the promise of Proverbs 22:6. Thanks for sharing your heart!!
Linda – thank you! You are always such an encouragement to me!
Sarah – stop saying things like “Caden is a teenager.” 🙂 I have personally prayed for your kiddos, and I know the love and training that you have poured into them since they were babies. And Jessica, I am praying for your little ones as well! We all need grace, good friends, and much prayer. Love you ladies, and praying for both of you today!
This is such a good reminder Beth. We are often moving so quickly we forget to think through these types of questions of intentionality. Having sent Hope to kindergarten two weeks ago, I’m still not sure I adequately prepared her. . .to listen. . .to put others first. . .to be confident. But where I lack, grace fills in the gaps. Still, we need to do our best to train them up in the way they should go. Thank you for this!
Thanks Beth for your words!! I am in uncharted waters this year as well, all my kiddos are in school. Conner, my baby is in all day kinder. Where did the time go?! I am filled with mixed emotions….happiness (and freedom), and sadness that I now have limited time with my kids. And the questions fill my mind… Did I train them up? Are they ready for what the world throws at them?
Caden is a teenager now and I realize most of my raising up is behind me. I feel such a sense of urgency, my prayers have shifted to praying for this almost man. As so many moms before me said “it goes by fast” they all were so right! My trust in The Lord is ever increasing as I too am having to let go of my babies as they turn into big kids and then to grown kids.