Letting Go!

A man from the family of Levi married a Levite woman. The woman became pregnant and had a son. She saw there was something special about him and hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a little basket boat made of papyrus, waterprooofed it with tar and pitch, and placed the child in it. Then she set it afloat in the reeds at the edge of the Nile. Exodus 2:1-3

This past week school started in many systems around the state. I’m always torn at this time of year becuase I loved my role as a teacher, but on the other hand, I am glad I’m retired! Every teacher with whom I have ever been privileged to work has a deep love for children and a great desire to help guide and direct their lives.

The kindergarten team with which I worked was a loving group of teachers, but we all agreed on one thing: parents really shouldn’t walk their children into their kindergarten class on the first day of school. There was always one child who didn’t want Mom or Dad to leave, and I’m pretty sure Mom or Dad felt the same way! We knew that a crying child or crying parents experiencing separation anxiety would be temporary, but it was hard on all of us to try and convince the parents to let go and let us handle it! The child and the parents had to learn to trust us to do our job.

The story of Moses is a great example of a mother who trusted God enough to put her child in a basket made of reeds and tar and set him afloat in the river. We all know the story of Moses and how he was pulled from the water to be raised by the daughter of Pharoah, the very man who had ordered the killing of the first born males. God had a great plan for Moses, and he became the very person who led the Israelites from bondage. All of this happened because in order to save her son, his mother let him go!

A friend sent me this quote from Ashlei Woods, and it sums up what many parents are experiencing during the different phases of the lives of their children. There comes a time – many times actually – in the lives of our children where we have to put the basket in the water. We have to let go and trust the plan of the Father. The world is a scary place – a place where we fear our children could drown, but we must remember that we have to let go so that God can draw them from the waters for His great purpose. He has called us to be their parents, but they were His first.

This fall many of the young people that we have watched grow up are leaving for college or other pursuits. It’s hard to imagine those same young people who were born, baptized, confirmed, and loved are heading out on their own! I can’t help feeling for the parents and grandparents because the void will be hard at times.

The good news is that they are ready, and we can let go with confidence. These parents, teachers, and friends have equipped them for bigger and better things, and they are headed out to blaze their own trail and make their own mark in this world! It is comforting to know that wherever they go, God goes before them, walks beside them, and follows them in all that they do.

As the day approaches, let these words by Ashlei Woods comfort you, Parents whatever water you may be getting ready to put your basket into, remember that you have to put them in the water for God to draw them out and place them into His perfect plan. Though you might not be physically present with your child as much during the next phase of life, you can always petition the heart of the Father on their behalf.

Good luck, prayers, and God bless! We love you!