The sands of time sift through the hourglass at an alarming rate, seemingly faster by the year. How can our youngest be graduating from university already?
Yes, it’s graduation season and whether your child is finishing high school or Harvard, moms sit through ceremonies in an almost out-of-body experience with surreal flashbacks of their baby’s growing-up years and panicky-pray for the next chapter.
“‘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 hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
This comforting verse from Jeremiah is often presented to the graduate as they embark on their new normal and head into their exciting endeavors. But I believe this is also a verse for the moms.
For God does not abandon us when our kids leave home or go to college. Maybe He is there for us on an even deeper level, or maybe we just notice and appreciate Him all the more. Our priorities shift and we get to observe life from a slightly different perspective.
All those glorious years of feeding picky-eaters and chauffeuring for hours on end and watching sports and ballet and band concerts—we were building into young lives. Lives that are now being channeled into something bigger, something which may change the world or the neighborhood or one other life for the better.
It’s our vocation and our privilege.
And so, I say CONGRATULATIONS—not only to our graduates but also to the parents. To you—the moms. For your hard work, tough love, gentle hands, and praying souls that nurtured them thus far—and will carry them forward.
Keep praying. Cheer them on. Encourage their hearts. And know that God’s plan for YOU continues as you begin your next chapter.
