Letting Go
He used to stand in the backyard preaching to the birds. He'd spend countless hours sitting on the steps in the living room giving sermons into a tape recorder, with Autumn as his only audience. Every so often, she'd shout an "Amen!". I wondered for years, 'will he be called into the ministry'? Maybe. Maybe not.
He's talked about being a teacher; a professor to be exact. Right now, and for quite some time, he's interested in law. He wants to be the President. Really. He thinks he can make a difference in the world. I believe he can. He can talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable. And he's comfortable, too. He likes people of all ages.
As Mac's mom, I see his strengths, and I see his weaknesses. Yes, there are plenty of those as well. I see that he has the possibility to be a pastor, a teacher, a lawyer, and yes, even President. I believe that the same strengths are needed for any of those occupations.
He'll be seventeen at the end of this month. This afternoon, we put him on a plane. By himself. And he flew across the country. By himself. He had to go through one of the busiest airports in the nation. By himself. When he called me to let me know that he landed and was making his way to his second flight, he sounded proud of himself.
Where did he go? To a conference for young men who may be interested in the ministry. He'll be back on Saturday. I'll be waiting. And praying. And remembering just Whom it is that he belongs to.
He's talked about being a teacher; a professor to be exact. Right now, and for quite some time, he's interested in law. He wants to be the President. Really. He thinks he can make a difference in the world. I believe he can. He can talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable. And he's comfortable, too. He likes people of all ages.
As Mac's mom, I see his strengths, and I see his weaknesses. Yes, there are plenty of those as well. I see that he has the possibility to be a pastor, a teacher, a lawyer, and yes, even President. I believe that the same strengths are needed for any of those occupations.
He'll be seventeen at the end of this month. This afternoon, we put him on a plane. By himself. And he flew across the country. By himself. He had to go through one of the busiest airports in the nation. By himself. When he called me to let me know that he landed and was making his way to his second flight, he sounded proud of himself.
Where did he go? To a conference for young men who may be interested in the ministry. He'll be back on Saturday. I'll be waiting. And praying. And remembering just Whom it is that he belongs to.
24 comments:
It is so hard to stand there and watch the chick leave the nest. It is part of life, but something curls up inside of you at the same time you are so proud of who they are. When my son leaves the nest this time (in October to be married), he is not coming back. My nest will be empty. I am not looking forward to that, but by God's grace I will walk that path.
Just keep praying him through.
Oh it must've been so hard to send him off on a plane by himself. And yet how beautiful to see him on the cusp of adulthood and with such promise for his future.
Letting go is hard. The transition can be fraught with pain one moment and a source of joy the next. I cannot imagine coping with the more painful side of the process if I did not know my child belonged to Him; it is so sweet to trust in Jesus. I hope Mac has a successful journey. Hugs to you.
The "letting go" part of motherhood is tough. I see my girls ready to fly off on their own and it is heartbreaking,but exciting at the same time.
Blessings to you this week as you think about all of the preparation that you have put into Mac as he has been growing up. God has a great plan for him!
Wow, Tracy...that had to be hard. I dislike airports and I've never even flown by myself! I look forward to anything you share about his trip!
Awww, I almost cried thinking about this. My son is 15 and is called to preach and I can almost imaging what it's going to feel like when I have to let go.
Wish I could freeze time!
You must be so proud of Mac, Tracy. He sounds like a wonderful son. Praise the Lord that He knows Mac's destiny and what He has called him into :)
Oh, how exciting! We have our "plans" and hopes for our children, but it's always exciting to see what GOD has planned for them. Praying for his safety.
I know you're proud, Tracy.
Tracy, this was beautiful and really showed your "mommy heart." We all look forward to hearing how things go for Mac. May God continue to direct his every step!
You know what the difference is in how you're raising your children compared to the status-quo? You're raising men and women, not teens who will prolong their childish ways. I applaud you. :o)
Your son is right where our Lord wants him. He's grooming him for service that will glorify Him, whatever that service may be. How wonderful that Mac is a mature young man with a heart for God.
I'm praying that he'll be used mightily these few days away from home, and that the Lord will speak clearly to his heart...and provide traveling mercies (on wings of angels). :o)
Jeremiah 29:11-14 <><
oops. I forgot to add a ...
((( tender embrace )))
Tracy, I can tell that Mac is an amazing young man and you have every right to be proud of him. Your post brought tears to my eyes.
This is the most bittersweet time of being a mom. There's nothing like seeing the adult they are becoming and being so proud you could burst, but wishing for them to be little again at the same time.
"And remembering just Whom it is that he belongs to."
Amen!
I have to remind myself of this as I let Jack and Max run down the ramp into the play area at the mall. Can't imagine how you were feeling as that plane left.
What a blessing to be raising a son who wants to be in ministry. I can think of no greater honor as a Mom.
Hi! I know this has nothing to do with this current post, but I just had to stop by and say that I loved your comment over at "Just a Thought". Although I don't take all my children grocery shopping on a regular basis, they know how to behave when we do go (most of the time...) :) I just smiled at your comment. It was great. Moms and Dads need to take a good look at themselves sometimes when wondering why kiddos behave the way they do.
I just wanted you to know that I've been enjoying your blog the past few weeks!
God bless you and your son's future endeavors.
It's almost 11:30pm your time (8:30pm mine). I'm thinking of you and praying. <><
Tracy,
I know how hard this is,
we lived in Italy and sent them home to California for college...I wept....
and yet,
this is what it is all about
raising our children
to fly...and sure they will make mistakes
but they are
being upheld by
praying parents.
what a great post.
Deby
This is the hardest part of motherhood I think...my daughter has just turned 18 and my son is 15
Letting go is difficult, we all know what the world out there is like...but as you said Tracy, we have to remember to Whom our kids belong. That is my greatest comfort and I pray is yours too.
I hope Mac has a great trip...it's such a blessing to hear about young people walking with the Lord.
Love, Tina :)
"Letting go" is a difficult time as well as a wondrous time as we see how the Lord is leading and guiding our children.
May Mac be used of God during this short trip and may his heart be spoken to :o)
I look forward to hearing all about his trip once he returns and shares it with you and the rest of his loving family, waiting and praying for him at home!
How proud you must be of him! How blessed you are that the Lord chose you to raise this young man who has a heart for the Lord. What more could a parent ask for. And how difficult it must have been to let him go....
Patricia
Oh, Tracy!!! I can totally relate.
::sniff sniff::
Julieann
I remember doing the same with my daughter. I was sad to let her go away and find her away all alone, but so so proud of her as she headed to the mission field.
God is working and moving. We know he will direct Mac's path.
incredible and touching post.
oh how I wish i had words left to tell you how much i loved this whole thing.
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