By Janean
Well, another new year has started. What does this new year hold for us? There are many unknowns. But there is one known event that will happen this year, and that is our oldest son, Micah, will be leaving us to go to college. He is so excited about this next step in his life. Micah has been working hard in his high school and dual enrollment classes to learn as much as his brain can handle. He has his own truck that he takes very good care of, and he also has a job where he thoroughly enjoys the people he comes in contact with and the responsibilities that he is handed. It’s funny when he comes home from work. Dave or I will ask him how his day was. Usually, he starts off saying everything was fine, but sometimes he has this little sly smirk on his face, and we know that he has a story to tell. We then spend the next several minutes listening to the experience he had that day, the people he met, and how things were handled. We love it! We love hearing from him about his ups and downs, or what he learned.
On January 1st, Micah came to me and said, “Mom, do you know what’s happening this year?” I played around with him a little by giving ignorant answers like, “I’ll turn another year older” or “We’ll probably have a garden this summer.” He delightedly answered, “I’m going to college this year! Actually, I have eight months left! EIGHT!!” His beaming face was so precious to see. Yes, come this fall he will be gathering up his few belongings, packing up his truck, and taking that next thrilling step in a young person’s life. He is ready for it!
Me, on the other hand, I’m not ready for it. It feels just like yesterday that Hannah was saying the same thing, and as he was talking, I could see her face in his. The time just went too fast! Can he just wait a year or maybe five years? We’ve already been in this position before, and we know it’s the right order of things. This is life, and this is what is supposed to happen. God gave us Micah for a short time to raise, teach, instruct, but our time with him is coming to an end. We need to be willing to take this arrow, place it in the bow, and let it fly and land wherever God directs. However, it’s difficult! Our loss of Hannah looms over us. It feels like we are 0 for 1 in sending our children safely away to college. The normal fear that parents feel when sending their child off to college is now compounded by Hannah’s tragedy. Again, our family is changing and so are we!
I have complete confidence that Micah will do well wherever he lands. He has a good head on his shoulders. He has a goal and it’s a desire that hasn’t altered in years. He has researched what he needs to do to reach that goal. It will take him some time, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to become a physical therapist. But most importantly, he has a strong relationship with the Lord. Psalms 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delights in his way.” What does this verse mean? You can trust God to direct your life. This verse assures us that our steps aren’t random, God has a plan. Also, God finds joy in seeing His children walk with Him, even when trouble comes. Micah has fully committed to the Lord and trusts that God will guide his steps. As I look back at Micah’s life I remember noticing, around the ages of 14 or 15, that Micah was leaving boyhood and becoming a man. He was taking on his own convictions. He enjoyed talking and learning from the people who have gone before him. He’s observant and willing to help. He doesn’t right-out give a hug or desire any kind of touch, but he is willing to give a hug or hold a hand if the need arises. As a mom, that’s what I enjoy about all my boys. They aren’t ashamed to show a little affection at times.
We still have eight months! We’re going to cram as much into family time and experiences as we can. It will be a full year! Although it isn’t easy, we know that our responsibility is to do what’s best for our children. We have to “let go,” we have to trust Micah, and we have to trust God. We need to Do Right: Breathe, Take Small Steps, and Keep Moving Forward. I pray, “Thank you, Lord, for our son, Micah. May You continue to be on the throne of his life and use him in Your work. Please keep him safe, and help us all be strong.”
We are blessed.
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