It’s the first time in 16 years we haven’t registered our children for school.
Instead, we registered our youngest for college. He’ll begin his Freshman year next week.
(Gulp!) Wait, what??
This is our reality, and I’m still finding it hard to comprehend.
Another season of transition is upon our family.
Maybe you’re finding yourself in a similar place.
This time of year–when our kids go back to school–is always hard for me. Maybe I’m from a different mold, but I’ve always enjoyed having the kids home during the summer, and I’ve always dreaded their return to school in August. This year is no different.
But yet it is. This is college. And he’s our youngest. We’ve experienced this before with our oldest, but this is rocking my world.
The nest is almost empty.
Granted, our son is attending our local community college, and has chosen to live at home his first year. (He’s one smart lad.) But from experience with our oldest, it’s going to be different. Sleeping in his bed, and an occasional meal with Mom and Dad might be the extent of his presence here.
Times of transition can be challenging.
I realize I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Life is turned upside-down. What we’ve always known is shaken. A new “normal” is setting in. It’s uncomfortable and uneasy. Stomachs churn. Tears flow. Sleep disappears.
If this is you, my heart goes out to you. And believe me, I understand.
To those who are watching your baby climb the school bus steps with a backpack bigger than he is, or you’re moving your baby from her bedroom into her dorm room, and you know your heart is going to explode at any moment, friend, I’m with you. I’m right there with you.
I can share it’s going to be okay. I can tell you you’ll adjust to this new normal. I can try to convey some sort of words that might lessen the sting of your raw emotions, but sometimes what we need is to know is that someone else understands, and that we aren’t alone in this.
Friend, I understand, and you aren’t alone.
As trite as it may sound (or read), God understands even more. If you’ve read any of my writing, you know it’s God in whom I find my strength. He’s as much a part of my life as eating and sleep.
From what I know of studying God through His Word, He understands us better than anyone ever could. He created each one of us. He formed us. He knew us before we were born. He even knows the number of hairs on our head. He loves us. He’s with us. Always. And He’s not going to leave us.
God knows what we’re walking through. He knows the transition we’re in. He sees it all. And even better news: He’s walking with us through it, and He’s going to use it for good.
May we take comfort in this today.
The words Moses said to Joshua, we can also cling to,
“The Lord himself will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you. So don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Don’t lose hope, my friend. Allow God to lead you through this season of transition. Look for the good He’ll bless you with as you trust Him.
And let’s walk through it together.
I’m lifting you in prayer today, and sending much love your way.
Julie
I loved your post. I just moved my oldest son four hours away to go to college. It was the absolutely hardest thing I’ve ever done! My husband and I just look at each other like “What do we do now??” I do not like our new normal. I am very proud of him, and he is so happy. It’s been six weeks and I have stopped crying, but I still don’t like it . Thanks for your encouraging words.
Angela, I am praying for you today. You’re in good company. We consciously know this is a good thing, but our hearts just can’t grasp that quite yet. I’m so glad you stopped by and shared here. You’ve encouraged me today. God is with us, friend. Much love to you today!
An exciting yet difficult time. Been there. Understand. Our newly married daughter just moved the rest of her things out of our home and into hers. And even with that small change, there is a little bittersweet emotion going on. Praying God will give you increased joy with each passing day. Blessings to you, friend!
Oh gosh, Sabra. That must have been hard. I can only imagine the bittersweet emotion. I am praying for you today, and for your daughter and her new marriage. Thank you for your prayers too. You are loved, my friend!
Lifting you in prayer today friend. Those transitions are hard but God indeed walks with us. Deuteronomy is such a great book..full of so much wisdom!
Thank you for your prayers, Tara. I can feel them. So thankful God is with us in these transitions! Have a beautiful day!
Aah, yes. We have a daughter in her second year of college and she is in another state…and STILL we miss the daily routine of her presence in our home!
God has been so very gracious in reminding us that He is in the middle of this transition and while we can’t be there every moment of her life anymore, that gives Him opportunities to the hero in her life <3
Oops! Forgot to tell you that I found you over at Jennifer Lee’s today 🙂
Hi Caryn! Thank you for coming by today. I love the perspective God has given you in this transition. That’s precious! I’m praying for you today. God bless you!
My son, my baby is attending military college. I will not hear from him at all until sometime next week. Praying daily at random times for strength and courage for him to be able to endure the rigors of this process.
Lisa, I’ve been thinking of you off and on, and praying for you each time you come to mind. Thank you for updating me on your son. I will be praying right along with you for him (and for you). You’ve done well, mama. I’m proud to be your friend! Please keep me posted. Love to you!
Thank you for inspiring me today by sharing the importance of our focus on God during times of transitions. Skylar moved back to U of I this week, and though the tears keep coming, I rest upon knowing we are being held close in our loving God’s presence.
May we find comfort and peace, encouragement and strength as we all continue to grow. Thank you Julie, and blessings to you and your family during this time.
Candace
Candace, you’re so right… we can rest upon knowing we are being held close in our loving God’s presence. That comforts our soul in the deepest of ways. I am praying for you, my friend. I’ll connect with you soon. Much love and blessings!
I am so grateful for a God who sees me in my pain or confusion and stays with me! He knows what is ahead so I cling to Him.
Amen, Sarah. What would we do without Him?? I shudder at the thought. Praying for you now as I write this. May He continue to make His presence known to you in the hours and days ahead. Bless you, friend!