It's Move In Day...Freshman Year

Friends have delivered their "babies" to college in the past few years and this year, more than ever but then again, we are joining this movement today. Today, we take our "baby" who is not so little anymore and leave her to start her own adventure and experience the journey God has just for her. We've spent eighteen years preparing her heart, mind, and spirit. Although we leave with one less in our car, God remains at the college with her. She is NEVER alone and neither are we. 

With this knowledge in my heart and on my mind, it makes the transition smoother and more exciting. When she started college my mom told me, "Enjoy the next few years because she'll leave for college before you know it." I thought she was exaggerating. She wasn't.

For my readers letting your babies get on the school bus for the first time in the coming weeks, enjoy every moment because the next thirteen years FLY and it is an exciting, ever-changing, and beautiful time as our little caterpillars turn into a butterfly, ready to open their wings and experience the world and establish who they are in Christ and the world, not the image of their parents but an image of God. The individual and adult He created them to be. 

I'm sure there will be bumps and bruises, any transition and time of refining has learning curves but this I know for sure, these curves make us stronger, smarter, and more determined. Let my sweet girl conquer her next journey with hope, faith, friends, and strength...she is ready! I'm ready to enjoy her continued transformation and success.  
As I Watch You Grow© Kay Theese
Published on February 2006
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Do you know how much you mean to me?
As you grow into what you will be.
You came from within, from just beneath my heart.
It's there you'll always be, though your own life will now start.
You're growing so fast it sends me awhirl, 
With misty eyes I ask, Where's my little girl?
I know sometimes to you I seem harsh and so unfair, 
But one day you will see, I taught you well because I care.
The next few years will so quickly fly, 
With laughter and joy, mixed with a few tears to cry.
As you begin your growth to womanhood, this fact you must know, 
You'll always be my source of pride, no matter where you go.
You must stand up tall and proud, within you feel no fear, 
For all you dreams and goals sit before you very near.
With God's love in your heart and the world by its tail, 
You'll always be my winner, and victory will prevail.
For you this poem was written, with help from above, 
To tell you in a rhythm of your Mother's heartfelt love!
Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/as-i-watch-you-grow #FamilyFriendPoems An encouraging article:
How to Trust God With Your Childrenby Tracie Miles 
Click HERE to read this article.
Will you share a word or two of wisdom for parents,
like myself, dropping their kiddos to college?
Is it easier with the second, third,
or fourth because you know what to expect?