Remember when our littles figured out we where leaving the room. You could step away 2 steps but if you were out of view- the tears would start. You would quick scuddle back to reassure that all was well. There is that brief time in a child’s development where you leaving, is like you are never are coming back.
Fast forward 16 years for me and I’m feeling a little that way myself! This fall both my kids went off to a boarding Christian high school. I’m excited for them, they were ready. But it’s a new normal and a bit unsettling as these amazing humans that I have poured into for a decade and half, leave the house. Three o’clock rolls around and I’m not sure what to do with myself! No music lessons, library trips or after school activities. The first week was rough. I had lost my spark. Cooking for two is weird. Sensing my pouting, my friend penned and then gifted the following poem to me. I was encouraged and needed the timely reminder of the truth held on the page. I share with you parents who may also be feeling some separation anxiety as the circle of life beats on! Rest easy. It’s ok to be sad for a little bit..its all part of our development. And you thought we were done….
For The Brokenhearted
Debra Snyder
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18
I’ve stood in the background but have always been near
Watching you mold, raise and love them with strength and sometimes fear
The joy of a family I’ve helped you to know
It brings Me much happiness as I watched it grow
All the while the thought in the back of your mind
Is that they aren’t just yours, but they are also Mine
One day soon you know you will have to let them go
You talk to me and share how you wish it wasn’t so
I know that you stay strong and with them put on a brave face
But to me you confess the ache and pain, you ask for it to be replaced
The quiet days ahead you sometimes find yourself dreading
We talk about those days, the emptiness you feel and ask me to take, even start begging
Through it all though you have remained strong and also true
What I have asked of you for My children you have done and will continue to do
I want you to know dear one that I feel all you do and more
My own dear Son I sent away to save you, all your sins he bore
You see when I created mankind I wanted them to truly know love
For them to understand fully it is a gift from above
So when you look into those faces that are a part of Me as well as you
Know that I will go with them even when you cannot, it is my gift and what I shall do
Remember that to you all I am always right here
Holding everyone close with a love stronger than anyone’s fear
For I have said in My word I am near to the brokenhearted
My love and strength remain they have never ever departed
The job I entrusted you with you have done and been faithful
You have raised them up well and for you I am forever grateful
Rest now in Me and begin to renew your strength
Give yourself My peace, of My waters come and drink
They will always need you as My son still needed Me
Let all my words comfort you now, bring you peace and set you free
For you have trained them up in the way they should go
Together we will help them continue to choose the seed we will forever sow
Love your Father