Growing Up is Hard to Do

Wow! Remembering back to when I was leaving the nest tonight as I left my first born after the surprise birthday party for her.  I remember how exciting it was and how I knew everything...

It's hard to live with your child for 18 years, 24/7, homeschooling, etc.  Knowing every single thing about them, down to how they like their eggs or even their clothes washed.  And then atlas be surrounded by their new environment with people that love her too, that respect her, that share Jesus moments with her, do life...Telling you how wonderful she is and how much she is a blessing in their lives, when all the while in my heart I'm screaming, "I know her, I know how beautiful she is."

When will it feel like my heart will stop hurting or when will I stop fighting tears back when I think of her or see her leave once more? 

I keep hearing you've raised her so well or you've done such a good job, etc.  Did I?  Part of me says, "Well well I have a good kid, so I should congratulate myself!"  The other part, the most predominant one says, "God has done it all...he just placed her into my hands and molded the rest."

I don't always think what she is doing is the best, but I left again tonight knowing that she is a good person, that she loves the Lord with all her heart and only wants His will for her life.

Lord, you are our Abba Daddy.  You gave us this life and we want to use the gifts that you entrusted us with to glorify your name.  I ask that you would pour your spirit out on us...I pray that our girl will know exactly where you want her to be and that you protect her with everything you got.  Give us peace with her decision and provision to bring her home, if needed.  Lord allow you to work so much in her life that she could have testimony after testimony to share with others.  I pray she is a vessel for others to come to know the Lord and that her siblings would know you as their Lord and savior as well.  That they too would be overwhelmed by your love and mercy in their lives and live forever glorifying your name.  In Jesus' name-Amen