Well, this is it.
My first little bird is flying out of the nest. He’s going away to college tomorrow.
We’ve been trying to plan carefully for everything he will need in his dorm room. I’ve questioned seasoned parents and received great advice. Enough underwear and socks for three weeks is the best I’ve heard so far! (Thanks Pat!) We bought out Target’s supply.
But there is one item on the list that I didn’t expect. Stephen requested it the other day, much to my surprise. Last night I dug through old framed pictures that have been retired from our walls for years. I found the treasure he requested.
The picture is one I bought when he was a little boy afraid of the dark. We hung it beside his bed to help him sleep at night. Now, at eighteen, he’s taking it to college to hang on his dorm room wall.
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| “Watchers in the Night” by Thomas Blackshear |
I can’t put in words all of the emotions running through my heart as I type these words. The tears blurring my vision are mixed with pride, sadness, and joy. And the lump in my throat reminds me that this new chapter will be a little strange and a little hard, but it is a necessary and good step for us to take.
Yet the mommy in me knows that though this big, strong young man moving to college is ready for this next chapter in his life, there is still a little boy within that manly exterior. He’s still mine. He still needs me. (A little.) But most of all, he knows he needs His Savior. He needs protection from the most high God. And he needs a visual reminder that his angel is watching over him while he sleeps.
This sends me to my knees. I pray: “Thank you, God. Take care of my baby. His heart is tender. Protect. Guide. Give him vision. Lead him to his passion. His purpose You have for him. And thank you for his angel who watches over him at night. He’s Yours. Amen and Amen.”
Thanks for sharing in this new chapter. And thanks for your prayers!
Much love,
andy
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).
