#Alwaysbeforeme
In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m sharing a page from my devotional book, Always Before Me. Enjoy!
Shiny Shoes
The man with the shiny black shoes sat down on our living room sofa and told us why the US Army was a great career choice for our son. Jake was a graduating senior and he’d met the Army recruiter at a career day at school. Two short years of his life, and he would be trained for the military, Shiny Shoes promised, as well as a career in the field.
I felt I was losing control, but of what? This man had come into our home and in so many words, told me he was going to take my son away. I resented his presence, but I knew Jake was supposed to grow up and go out on his own. That’s what his father and I had raised him to do. I guess I didn’t expect it to happen so suddenly. Eighteen years just isn’t very long when you’re in the eighteenth year.
Yellow lamplight shimmered on the recruiter’s black patent-leather shoes. It could be a lot worse, I told myself. Some parents lose their children to tragic accidents or drugs or reckless living or any number of things. The Army meant self-discipline, direction, determination. Yes, it could be worse.
Letting go was hard. Every day up to that point had been preparation for the big release, yet I was still frightened. Why was it so much easier to trust God with my own life than to trust him with my children? Perhaps the issue wasn’t trusting God, but trusting my children, which meant I had to trust God even more.
The last shiny black shoes I’d seen had been on my own feet years before, swinging above the floor from the church pew where I sat with my parents. The next pair I saw would likely be on my son at boot camp on graduation day.
Life is short, isn’t it?
Thank you, Lord, that I can trust you with my children. Thank you for the comfort of knowing that you go with them to places I’ll never be able to go. You help them in ways I never could. Help me remember that you are in control and I am not. I am so glad.
I do not pray that You should take them out of the world,
but that You should keep them from the evil one.
John 17:15
Want to give Mom something a little different this year? Order a copy of Always Before Me, 30 daily devotions for busy or not-so-busy women. Paperback or e-book.
~Loving the Cowboy~
Yes, it is. I remember this! Only my mom was watching the recruiter who would take me away!!!
Turned out well, didn’t it, Linda!
My daughter moved to Denver last Friday. This was certainly timely advice for me, Davaynn! Thanks for sharing!
Praying all is well, Norma.
Hmmm, this “letting go” thing seems to keep cropping up at all stages of life. My daughter is hiking alone at Dolly Sods right now–will be looking down into West VA from a high advantage. She called me when she headed into the area. But she also told me her phone had lost all contact numbers the night before. Something wiped her phone clean, etc. Crashed. But she was able to call numbers she knew. I should expect to hear from her by Thursday afternoon. IF I don’t hear from her….then I’m to worry! She let me know she had a bear canister with her, and she was having problems stuffing her backpack with all she needed, (tent, etc) because of the cold weather, etc. She had just left PA where she was helping net birds and tag them. She’s a grown woman…I couldn’t say, “You come home right now! Don’t go hiking alone!” 🙂 I could tell she had gotten a little worried with the phone crashing and mentioned she had checked on the bear activity in that area–and it wasn’t bad, because they allow bear hunting. Ohhh, that helps me feel better. (Ha) Ahh, but I know the desire to get out and explore is partly my fault. I took her hunting, hiking, and camping. But still ……. I’m praying and waiting for that phone call.
Karen – what a call to trust and prayer! I join you in praying for your independent-spirited daughter’s safety. I hear angels love to hike.
We have such an awesome God! I’m not sure why we have such a hard time trusting Him. Maybe we let Satan whisper in our ear instead of rebuking him. I’m sure we all have had many miracles in our lives. Let go and Let God! He will never turn His back on His children.
So true, Karen. So true!
Great post, Davalynn. Is this from your devotional? The cover looks SO pretty – congratulations. AND congratulations on yet another step in parenthood. I could so relate, b/c of all “my” deployment farewells. That part is NO fun, even when we know God is with us…and them.
Thanks for what you shared, really enjoyed your emphasis on those shiny black shoes.
Thank you, Gail. God is so faithful to help us rely on Him, even in the good-byes and farewells.