I was doing fine until I opened yesterday’s mail.
Until I found from my beautiful sister-in-law a timely card of encouragement.
The timing of her card, and her kind and caring words, combined with the reality of this week, opened the floodgates.
I’ve been holding things together in my flurry of activity. Preparing for this full week and next. Focusing only on the good, the next thing on the list, and supporting my wonderful family.
All of it melted into a puddled mess.
I knew it was coming. I just didn’t know when.
I know myself well enough that sometimes the puddled mess needs to happen in order to regroup, refocus, and refresh. Something happens through the tears. A cleansing, a refreshing, an “I don’t have to be in control” releasing.
And I can pick back up with a different perspective.
I imagine this was just the beginning of tears this week.
Tears of joy. Tears of sadness. Tears of pride. Tears of “how did we get here?” Tears of “life is changing.”
You see, my youngest is graduating from high school Saturday. This week is full of “lasts.”
His last regular season soccer game. His last choir concert on that concert hall stage. His last day of school tomorrow.
With those come a myriad of emotions for this mom.
Soccer Senior Night where we’ll walk on that soccer field together as our son is recognized. At tonight’s choir concert when he and his fellow seniors leave the stage during the singing of our school’s Alma Mater. When I’ll take his photo on our front steps on his last day tomorrow. The Senior Awards Night where we’ll celebrate his achievements. And when he walks across the commencement stage in his cap and gown, receiving his diploma.
Oh. My. Goodness.
This might be a bit difficult for this mom. (Deep breaths.)
But this is what they are supposed to do, right? To grow into young adults who are our future leaders. Who are God-honoring and others-loving. To step into their next chapter of their lives with boldness and excitement. And as I’ve prayed all these years, “to lead in the cause of Christ in the world.”
God has big plans for his future. He’s gifted him in so many wonderful ways. I can’t wait to be a part of it all.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Life is changing, but God is in the changes.
That comforts this mom’s heart. I pray it comforts you, too.
You may find yourself in a similar spot. A different situation, but something comparable. Through the changes of life, you are not alone, no matter how it may seem. God is with you, friend. And it’s going to be okay.
I’ll be praying for you this week. If you think of me, will you pray for me as well?
It’s good to be reminded, we’re in this together.
Much love to you today,
Julie
Linking up with Kelly and friends for #RaRaLinkup & Holly and friends for #TestimonyTuesday. You’ll find more encouragement at both!
Beautiful Julie! I don’t like the word bittersweet, so let’s just say semi-sweet. That will remind us of chocolate lol. As for this week’s firsts and lasts, it’s like living in your own personal Hallmark movie. Just wait until the grandkids come along; those heartstrings will be tugged all over again 😉 Celebrate big my friend!
Doris, I read your comment yesterday, but didn’t have a moment to respond. I’ve kept your words in my head and in my heart ever since. I’m celebrating big! Thank you for that thought and for your encouragement. Much love to you!
Oh Julie, precious pictures. Yes! I have prayed for you and will continue to do so. I am a week behind you with my graduating senior and his lasts. But, yesterday was my fall apart day too. I cried when I realized I only have a few more lunches to make for him! And this was one of my least favorite chores to do each morning for years. This past year though, I have made a point of remembering it is really a gift I am willing and able to give him. Love to you!
Kim, I’m praying for you as well. Glad we’re walking through this door together! It brought me such joy to read how you made it a point this year to consider making his lunch a gift each day. That’s precious right there. Sending much love your way too!
I remember when our firstborn graduated… it was exciting and daunting all at the same time… I recall standing in the middle of the gathering parents afterwards for a reception and wondering if I was the only one feeling like I was being pulled in a thousand different ways and emotions when the rest seemed so calm, lol.
Savor every moment, and go into every new one with that Jeremiah 29:11 assurance!
Beautiful post, Julie, I may have teared up… a teensy bit… maybe 😉
Christine, you can relate! I felt that same way with our oldest, and I imagine I will with our son. Thank you for sharing your heart through your experience here. It helps more than you know. Yes, I’m clinging to Jeremiah 29:11. Bless you, sweet friend!
Oh my sweet Julie friend! Big hugs and love to you this week! This transitions in life are always difficult and we so treasure these moments of seeing our children become and grow! I am proud of you my mama friend! You will be brave and you will do great! 🙂
Oh, Rachel. Thank you. You just brought tears to my eyes (my eyes are used to that lately). Your words blessed me so. I appreciate you and your encouragement, and will be thinking of you the remainder of this week. Thank you. Thank you. Blessings to you!
I also wrote about changes in life. My kids are grown but I see our relationships changing as well as the one between my parents and me. I am coming to realize that there is beauty, joy and purpose in each season and if I will focus on finding that purpose then I can live in the moment and find the joy.
Amen, Amy! I’ll pop on over to read yours. Thankful we can encourage each other through the changes. Bless you, wonderful friend!
Praying with you friend! The transitions are hard. But you are right God has got this, and Zach and YOU! I have a feeling God has great things planned for both of you. I share an article with the High School Senior parents at church that talks about that Jeremiah 29:!1 verse. It talks about how God’s GPS is God’s grace positioning system. God’s grace is sufficient!
I appreciate your words of encouragement, Tara. Thank you! I have a feeling too, that God has great things planned. Looking forward to seeing what’s ahead. May God bless you, dear friend. Your words matter, and they most certainly did to me today.
I just posted on Testimony Tuesday and was drawn to your post. Glad I stopped by! Such a tender post, and I can very much relate in that my son is 17, and will graduate next year ..but he’s already pulling away, forging independence in so many ways — he’s older since he’s a November birthday, so most of his friends are graduating, so in many ways he’s ready. I find each day now is an ‘ouch’ leading to the graduation day which symbolizes new life for them, and an empty nest and empty place in our hearts. Your son seems like such a wonderful young man, with a bright future! You did a wonderful job momma! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I cherish them more than you know! You already know times goes so fast, but it seemed like this senior year flew by at warp speed. I pray your son has a great next 12 months, and that it is a beautiful year of precious memories for you. Thank you for walking alongside of me this week. Sending love your way today!
Prayers ascending, sweet friend! I moped for weeks the first summer our nest was empty. It’s gotten much easier, but I still miss my chickadees when they’re gone (ok, one of them is actually married, and I’m so thankful we get to spend scads of time together this summer!).
Thank you for your prayers, Anita! Much appreciated. So far we’re doing okay. Glad to read you are able to spend lots of time together with your chickadees this summer!! Love that. Bless you, beautiful friend!
Oh my goodness, you have me in tears here. I didn’t realize how many lasts we are having in our life right now and how much I am suppressing feeling it all. My five-year-old son is scheduled to have his last treatment for cancer June 5th. He graduated from preschool this month and will be on to kindergarten next year. Our in-home babysitter had her last day with us as the school year wrapped up. And just so much more that is changing in life for us right now. It’s all good. It all feels like progress. But it might take my heart a bit to catch up with it all. I will definitely pray for you. Thank you for offering your prayers to us too.
Jenni, I’ve been praying for you since I read your comment here. I hope your heart is catching up with all of these “lasts.” I’m also praying for your son. Much love to you. God has you all.