HEART, Chapter 4 by Rachael Carman
This aspect of having a heart for my kids has been the scariest and the most rewarding. Having been under the impression for so long that I was in control, the idea of letting go was terrifying. I was really convinced that I knew what was best. I was so wrong.
Space does not allow for the whole story, but as you read the book you have come to know Charles and Anderson — my two oldest sons. Well, they have both graduated now. Our journey together has substantially changed; they are young adults. Both of their lives have taken turns that I could not have predicted. Both of them have gone in directions that I would have made me anxious years ago. But I am confident that both of them are seeking God and His direction. That knowledge gives this mom the peace she needs to let them go.
You see, Charles has moved in a direction that has taken him to college in New York City. Yes, he goes to school in the city — actually on the island of Manhattan. And yes, he rides the subway. And yes, he has encountered some hurting, angry, suspicious people. I know, I know, New York City is a dangerous place. I get it — we’ve visited. Mothers whom I do not even know have questioned the wisdom of allowing Charles to go off to NYC. “What are you thinking?” they ask. Well, I’m thinking that Charles is where God wants him and that is all of the safety assurance I need.
I could choose to let the fact that Charles is living in the city keep me up at night, depriving me of sleep and subsequently sanity. But that is not of God. God desires that I would not only let Charles go, but that I would trust Him with Charles. God is really growing Charles through this experience. I have commented several times that he is getting a multi-dimensional educational experience via navigating his studies, the subway, and the culture. He just smiles. God is preparing Charles for something big to bring Himself glory.
As a side note, my second son, Anderson, is studying animation through an online school. God has gifted him with some incredible talent. Talk about a questionable industry in which to send your kid. But his desire is to glorify God through animation. His dream is in Los Angles or San Francisco, California. Yeah, the exact opposite side of the country — I’m just saying.
If you are reading my book and you are a mother to little ones during this season, then take advantage of this time — snuggle long, smile often, and sing loud. If your children are in the pre-teen stage, start dreaming with God. Look for opportunities where you can begin to let them go in little ways. Let them go and watch them shine. If you are the mom of the high school students, then seek God with them, and embrace letting them go wherever God needs them to be. They are safe with Him!
Don’t delay, pray about this today!
