Letting go is never easy. It is intensely emotional. I have let go of the tiny hand of my precious babies as they bravely took their first step. My husband held his breath as he ran along and let go of a bicycle as they balanced and pedaled away. Years passed and we found ourselves driving away from a college campus. The car was too quiet. There was silence as tears rolled down our cheeks. As I watched my adult children step out into the world, I felt a huge loss.
Suddenly, I was like a stranger standing on the porch while peeking into the windows of their lives. I didn’t dare knock on the door demanding to be let in. Instead I silently yelled, “Hey, are you ok?”. Of course, I knew they were. They were simply off onto their own adventures, as they should be. It just happened way too fast for me. I had to let go of my old role and adjust to a new one.
Time passed and I saw my parents aging. Then Alzheimer’s entered the picture. I had to let go of my dreams of taking trips with my parents or sharing long phone conversations. I watched them meet my grandchildren and then not remember their names. I had to let go of them being so excited to have children running around the house and accept the fact that this overwhelmed them now.
When my mom was in her last days, I told her that I loved her and that she could go home to Jesus whenever it was time. I encouraged my dad to do the same. Dad asked, “What do I say?”. I told him that he had loved mom greatly for many years and assured him he would know what to say and I walked out of the room. The next day Mom was still with us. Dad was beside her when I took a short walk. As I stepped into the doorway I saw Dad standing at Mom’s side and holding her hand. He leaned down and said “Let’s count together…10…9…8”. Tears poured as I ran out the door. Dad was trying to help mom go and he was letting go. What an amazing act of love!
You will face that same time when you know you have to let go. I let my babies’s hands go because I knew God had a plan for their lives. I let my Mom and Dad’s hand go when they took their last breath. It was painful for me but they were just stepping into God’s plan for their eternity.
You will have the courage to let go. You will continue to live. There will be adjustments to make and you may step into a new role. Trust God with the plan for the rest of your life. I may have shared this song before, but I just felt like someone needed to hear it again.
Word for Today
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Prayer for Today
Our Father Who is in Heaven,
So many times I cling tightly to the ones I love. My desire is to protect them and hold them close. That will not always be possible. When the day comes that I have to let them go, give me the courage and strength to do it. Give me peace and grace on the days that the pain feels like it is overwhelming.
I will come running into your arms as a child and just let you hold me and comfort me. I thank you that you are my refuge when I am weak.
Amen
Song for Today
Walking Them Home 