Adventure Awaits

Today I was walking past my daughter’s bedroom.  On her wall above her bed is a large wood sign that says, Adventure Awaits.  As I stood there in her doorway noticing her room a bit disheveled, I caught a glimpse of the sign.  I immediately started taking in all the things in her room that represent her so well.  Antiques, pictures of loved ones, bible verses and things that represent travel.  I realized how short my time with her is getting because in just a few months she will be moving hundreds of miles away to start her own new adventures.  Naturally as any mother would, I try brainwashing her in regards to returning home.  As if I am saying without words once you get this out of your system come back.  What is that supposed to mean!  Don’t I want her to go off, spread her wings and change the world?  In the head by all means, I feel that with fervor.  In the heart, however, I feel a sense of loss already starting to rear its ugly head.  I look at her with her beaming smile and dimples, that would melt even the coldest hearts and could not be prouder of her decisions.  Not even five minutes later I find myself a bit down just thinking how boring life will be without her.  As far as emotions go I am a roller coaster on my very best day!

We have poured into her all of her life.  We have raised her with a good head on her shoulders.  She is kind-hearted and optimistic.  She has so many talents many know not of because that is just the type of girl she is.  She does not need to be entertained, she is confident in who God created her to be and comfortable in her own skin.  I think to myself, she is a vessel ready and willing to be used.  She is ready to embrace the adventures that are awaiting her.  She has prepared and calculated all the costs, physically, mentally, emotionally and even financially.  She is indeed ready for the adventure.

Will she return to what she now calls home?  I do not know, I do know though that she is going to move mountains.  She is going to be a world changer.  She is not going to be satisfied with anything ordinary.  I wonder as a mother if the adventure will be kind to her.  I pray for grand adventures, but not too risky (I am the mom!).  I pray for courage, love and a generous heart to be with her all the days of her life.  I think as moms we seem to focus on the things we did wrong raising our kids but in fact, good has been instilled along the way.  I know she herself understands the importance of leaning on God.  She has experienced first-hand the power of prayer in her life and others around her.  I see her heart of worship and know that she can weather any storm.

I as her mama will be her biggest cheerleader and even bigger prayer warrior.  I naturally will cover the motherly list of prayers such as keeping her healthy, safe and happy.  What I want most for her though is that she will be a bright light in a dark world, that she will be a mighty warrior for the kingdom of God and that she will be used in more ways than she could ever possibly imagine.  I pray that in the moments that seem the hardest that God moves the most.  I pray that she never has a moment where she does not feel or experience His presence.  I pray he opens doors that would otherwise seem impossible.  Why do we as moms we tend to pray comfortable little prayers instead of world changer type prayers?  I think if I could tell young moms one thing about praying for their kids it would be to spend time praying for your kids to be who God wants them to be.  To be filled with integrity, love, faithfulness and fervor to do what they are called to do.  They have amazing potential if we will just get out-of-the-way.

So for now, I am going to enjoy our time together.  I am going to take 1 Corinthians 16:13,14 to heart it says, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  Let all that you do be done with love.”  God made me her mama, so now I have to be brave and strong and have the faith that God has got her, better than I ever could.  I will pray that if it is God’s will that he will return her back close to me.  I am just being honest.

Until next time…