The End of a Season–Our Last Child is Off to College

Today we move our youngest child out of her home and into her college housing. It’s the third time Susie and I have done this, so I hope we’re ready. But the knot in my stomach tells me I’m not.

When Sara walks out of our door in a few hours, it will be the tangible, definable, clear point in time that our role as parents will forever be different. I know that countless of you have already done this and are wanting right now to tell me to get over it, but this is new for me so please indulge me for a moment.

Last night we sat down with Sara and shared the final thoughts and instructions we wanted her to know before she left:

Remember who you are
Read your Bible and pray
Listen to you instincts. When your internal alarm goes off, walk away.
Get ready to know yourself better
Don’t forget to go to class
Make good choices
Know that you can call us any time
Always love Jesus

Sara and me sharing a “planking moment” at Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

And all the while that we’re saying these things to her, my brain is going wild:

Is she really ready?
Have we set her up to win?
Does she know how to change a tire?
Does she know where to kick a guy if she needs to?
Does she know how to balance her checkbook?
Etc, etc, etc

But, even though my mind was out of control, somewhere in my gut I heard the Spirit’s voice: She’s mine Will. She never has been yours. You and Susie have done your job. Now it’s time for her to move on. I have plans for her you know nothing about.

James Dobson said that parenting is the only human relationship where the goal is separation. If your kid leaves well, you’ve succeeded. Wow.

Here’s to parenting success. It’s a mixed blessing.

Parents, pray every day with and for your kids. Your faith in Jesus is the best gift you can give them and the best way to prepare them for whatever lies ahead.

Now, off to the dorm . . . . .

Wan to read more about preparing kids for separation? Click here.