It's All a Matter of Perspective
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I was going to write a post today about Kate leaving for college. About how my house feels quieter, bigger, emptier.
I was going to write about how we left her at Wheaton last Saturday, not knowing when we’d see her next, but knowing that it wouldn’t be as long as the mom from Thailand who stayed with us through orientation. Or my friend from California who was here also.
I was going to write about how I’d surprised myself this weekend by being stronger than I thought I would be and not crying when we said goodbye.
But I received a comment on Friday’s post that has laid me out flat and has put every little thing I’ve been experiencing into perspective for me. (“Little” being the operative word here.)
The dear woman who left the comment is going through some trials. Some very personal, and some she might not want her family to know about. But deep, deep waters.
When I read of her sorrow, her feelings of helplessness, and her illness, I suddenly realized that I have nothing at all to be sad about.
Sure, my daughter left for college. For COLLEGE! First of all, how many kids in this country, in the world for that matter, even have that incredible privilege?
Sure, Kate is grown up and out of my house, but isn’t that what I’ve raised her for? She’s smart, she’s capable, she’s healthy, and, most importantly, she’s following the Lord’s leading in her life. What more could I ask for?
For me, as a parent of a new and out-of-the-house college student, to whine or complain about how she’s not with me anymore would be ridiculous. She is exactly where I want her to be.
As a bonus, she’s right down the street.
Would I feel differently if she were across the county? Maybe. But then I would think of my dear friend, “BJ,” and I would realize anew that I have nothing in my life so big that God cannot hold it.
“BJ” is facing some really big stuff right now. Not only is she sending a girl she loves away to school, her life is being turned upside down. And what is she doing? She’s praying. And trusting. And believing in the God who has brought her this far.
Will you pray with me for “BJ” today? I don’t know her personally. I have no way to contact her. But she has asked for prayer, and that’s what I intend to do.
I intend to be grateful for the abundant blessings in my life and in the lives of my family members. I intend to share in the sorrows of others. And I intend to pray for those who ask me, like “BJ.”
Will you join me?
I was going to write about how we left her at Wheaton last Saturday, not knowing when we’d see her next, but knowing that it wouldn’t be as long as the mom from Thailand who stayed with us through orientation. Or my friend from California who was here also.
I was going to write about how I’d surprised myself this weekend by being stronger than I thought I would be and not crying when we said goodbye.
But I received a comment on Friday’s post that has laid me out flat and has put every little thing I’ve been experiencing into perspective for me. (“Little” being the operative word here.)
The dear woman who left the comment is going through some trials. Some very personal, and some she might not want her family to know about. But deep, deep waters.
When I read of her sorrow, her feelings of helplessness, and her illness, I suddenly realized that I have nothing at all to be sad about.
Sure, my daughter left for college. For COLLEGE! First of all, how many kids in this country, in the world for that matter, even have that incredible privilege?
Sure, Kate is grown up and out of my house, but isn’t that what I’ve raised her for? She’s smart, she’s capable, she’s healthy, and, most importantly, she’s following the Lord’s leading in her life. What more could I ask for?
For me, as a parent of a new and out-of-the-house college student, to whine or complain about how she’s not with me anymore would be ridiculous. She is exactly where I want her to be.
As a bonus, she’s right down the street.
Would I feel differently if she were across the county? Maybe. But then I would think of my dear friend, “BJ,” and I would realize anew that I have nothing in my life so big that God cannot hold it.
“BJ” is facing some really big stuff right now. Not only is she sending a girl she loves away to school, her life is being turned upside down. And what is she doing? She’s praying. And trusting. And believing in the God who has brought her this far.
Will you pray with me for “BJ” today? I don’t know her personally. I have no way to contact her. But she has asked for prayer, and that’s what I intend to do.
I intend to be grateful for the abundant blessings in my life and in the lives of my family members. I intend to share in the sorrows of others. And I intend to pray for those who ask me, like “BJ.”
Will you join me?
