My babies are turning 18 today! Where has the time gone? I feel so old! I feel blessed to have them and SO very thankful for the joy they bring to our lives!!!
In many ways, the past few months have felt like a grieving process as I prepare to watch my kids spread their wings and fly. I cannot imagine life without them being in our house…eating dinner with them most nights around the table or going places together as a family; however, I know this is a normal process and it helps to think about our past seasons and God’s faithfulness…
dating to engagement…
engagement to marriage…
two of us became four…
not sure about empty nesting yet, but I am confident this will be a great stage as well.
At this point, there is a sense of accomplishment. As parents, we have worked 18 years to pour into our children of how to become independent, whether it was teaching manners and common courtesies, to how to love people and most importantly, God. I know we never stop being parents and at some points, they will still need us, but it is time for them to fly solo. Things will never be the same just as each past season, but I trust His plan. As hard as it is to turn over control to them, this is God’s design. It is time for them to experience their independence. He is the pilot and they are simply co-pilots, but, honestly, I feel like I will not even be in the plane! I know we will talk from time to time, maybe even FaceTime, provided Internet is working (those of you who have been to Swazi understand).
Lane moves into Auburn University on August 16th.
Landon will launch with the World Race Gap Year the second week of September.
Greg and I will return to Swaziland at the end of September.
Totally different directions!!!
Even as I write those last words, my heart is so sad. I want to stay together and be a part of each other’s lives. Selfishly, I don’t want to live oceans apart from my kids. But God is calling us in different directions for now.
As I was reading in Joshua 1 this morning, verse 16 records what the Israelites said to Joshua, God’s chosen leader. “Wherever you send us we will go.” They were trusting in God’s plan and had no idea what the future held. Sounds familiar.
Sometimes, we need to be stretched and uncomfortable for God to work in our lives. Ultimately, my prayer is that God’s will be done even if it is not the path I would have chosen. Clearly, not the first time my “ideal plan” has differed from God’s plan. However, He is the Creator of the universe, the First and the Last, the Almighty God and I am His child. I know He has got us in the palm of His plan and I simply choose to trust! Greg and I are praying that during our time stateside, that He refreshes us and gives us the strength to continue the call He has on our lives
Speaking of being stateside, we would love to see you personally while we are here! Please join us for dinner at Sweets for Swazi at Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster on August 25th 5:00-7:00. For more details, please check out facebook.com/sweetsforswazi or email us at [email protected].
We are so grateful for all of you who partner with us in prayer and financially. We never take you for granted and know we would not be able to do what we do without you!!!
How you can pray for us:
- Continue to pray for all of us as we adjust to our new norm.
- Pray that Lane settles well into Auburn and makes some amazing Christian friends.
- Pray that Landon can become fully funded for the WR and has an amazing journey.
- Pray for eSwatini and the wonderful AIM staff as we all strive to follow God’s plan.
In Christ,
Michelle
