Time to let go

Eighteen years ago, God gave Ginger and me an arrow, our daughter Rebekah.  I remember that day well as Ginger held Rebekah in her arms.  We were so happy!

As a father, I have read Psalm 127 many times.  It portrays children as “an heritage of the Lord; and as arrows are in the hand of a mighty man”.  Over these past 18 years, we have daily prepared Rebekah like one who carefully makes an arrow for battle.

With guidance, love, and participation in Rebekah’s life (along with the other three children) and through God’s Word, we have strived to make her into a straight arrow, we have sharpened her tip, and we have smoothed her feathers.  Through all this, we have trusted the Lord to help us.

The day is almost here that Ginger and I will take Rebekah to college.  In my mind, this will be the day we release her like an arrow.  Over the years, we have tried to straighten her and raise her to serve the Lord with her life.  Over the years, we have seen her love for God grow and her desire to serve Him lived out.  She has brought us great joy.

Now, we stand, stretching the bow and are about to release her as an arrow.  I imagine winds of confusion and doubt will cross her path.  I imagine the heat of temptation will beat down upon her at times.  But we are poised to let her go and trust the Lord for both her flight and for where she may land.

We greatly appreciate your prayers for Rebekah as she goes off to college, and your prayers for us and the kids as we begin this new phase of life as a family of five.