I was thinking about my time as a parent and how I felt that each stage I was in was the hardest one yet.
For example, when they were newborns, I would pray that they would outgrow the sleepless nights so I could get some sleep myself. It seemed so hard to function with so little sleep, especially with multiple children.
Then they became toddlers and were sleeping through the night, but were so busy and required so much of my personal attention and help. I would pray that they would grow up enough to just have some independence of their own, so I would regain a bit of my own freedom during the day.
As teenagers they finally had the independence I had been praying for, but I found myself desiring that they would gain the responsibility and maturity necessary to use that independence most successfully. Once again I was losing sleep, but this time worrying about them and the decisions they were making.
Then, one day you're driving down the road on your way home from Starbucks and you realize that you are standing on the threshold of the hardest part of parenthood you have faced so far. It is the moment when you realize that all your prayers have been answered and your children are strong, independent and successful.
Now its time to do the hardest thing ever ... you have to step back, and let them go.
It reminds me of the words to a song by Mark Harris called "Find Your Wings". The lyrics say:
It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories
Chorus:
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow
Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings
May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories
Chorus:
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
Because it's the hardest thing I've ever done as a parent, I'm sure I'll have tears as they take off. But know one thing for sure; I will be the one cheering the loudest as they fly to new heights away from me.
