For the past few weeks I have been pondering the final firsts. The final first cheer parent meeting, the final first day of scheduling, the final first cheer practice, the final first high school Jamboree, the final first football game, the final first day of grade school, etc.
(Madison leaving for the final first football game of the year.)
This is what our family is experiencing these days as our daughter begins her senior year of high school. It is a bittersweet thought as we reflect on how fast we have arrived at these final firsts.
Madison walked out of the door this morning continuing her journey of special moments and making lifetime memories.
Meeting her friends for breakfast has been a tradition since the first day of middle school when we moms took our daughters to Lizard's Thicket. As they got older, we would drop them off and they would carpool to school after breakfast.
Now, we just wave to them as they drive out of the driveway and head off to breakfast for another final first; moms left behind.
It's all a part of the growing-up process. We name them, snuggle with them, love them, teach them, nuture them, model life and Christ before them. As they grow, every pair of new shoes marks another step away from our care. Every step is another mark of faith that we have taught them well and, as Christians, we have shown them the love of Christ.
As they choose to trust Christ as their Savior, we have to trust that He will take care of His children. We trust that God will watch over and protect them as they walk out into a world of unknowns,
make their way into their futures, and stand firm in their faith,
while impacting their circle of influence for Christ.
We parents have to be diligent in praying for our children, no matter where they are in the growing up process. We have to be a constant, safe place and refuge for them as they learn and grow. Our love for them should always be known and shown to them by being available for them, listening to them, and by always teaching them the ways of the Lord. Our love for our kids should always reflect the love of Christ; the One who displays unconditional and unfailing love, strength, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and patience. He is our refuge and our homes should be a refuge for our children.
Safe and sound!
As we enter into the final firsts of Maddi's senior year, I pray that with each one we will be aware of, and grateful for, the wonder and greatness of our God; for He has proven His faithfulness over and over again to our family.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
My Pleasure,
Melanie
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