2/52: Open

This was my submission for this week’s Project 52 theme which was open.  Long after the rest of the flowers from the bouquet had died, the Stargazer lilies finally opened in all their splendor.  But I’ve also been thinking of the word “open” in other terms as well…

Earlier this week we attended a parent orientation meeting at our local high school for all current 8th graders and their parents.  I went into the meeting feeling slightly anxious and left feeling a little overwhelmed.  I’m finding that there are so many emotions involved in sending our firstborn to high school this fall.  I’m sure I felt the same way when he I dropped him off for his first day of preschool or when he started kindergarten or just recently on his first day of middle school.  But there are also different emotions involved.  On one hand, I’m super excited to watch Andrew grow and mature and become all he was created to be and on the other hand, I’m aware that our time with him here in our home is becoming less and less.  And that the next five to ten years of his life will be filled with some pretty major life decisions.

Joel and I both feel strongly that it is our responsibility, as his parents, to guide him into this next stage of life, ensuring that he takes classes that are best suited to his talents and gifts … classes that will put him on a path towards his future.  The problem with that, however, is that he is a fourteen year old boy, living for today, with no clue what he wants to do with his life.  And the choices?  Oh, there were so many class options – even at the freshman level.  It was seriously overwhelming!

So what I keep coming back to is the fact that God knows.  God knows what Andrew will become.  And he also knows what the path looks like to get there.  With all my heart, I believe that God has a perfect plan for my life so why then would I have trouble believing the same for my kids?  Yes, I want to be in control, but God is reminding me that it is not my job to be in control.  It is my job to be open to what God has in store for Andrew – not only in high school, but now and for the rest of his life.

It sounds so simple doesn’t it?  Trust God.  How hard can that be?  [*wink]

January 12:  Jesus Calling (Sarah Young)

Let me prepare you for the day (or year) that stretches out before you.  I know exactly what this day (or year) will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it.  You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your (or your son’s) journey.  You’d feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead.  However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you (or he) will encounter today (or in the future):  Spend quality time with  me.

I will not show you (or him) what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you (or your son) for your (his) journey.  My living Presence is your (his) Companion each step of the way.  Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My Name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts.  Thus, you can walk through this day (or year) with your focus on Me.  My abiding Presence is the best road map available.

Exodus 33:14; John 15:4-7

(parentheses mine)