Natali, Avery, Anna Claire & Emma

There’s a piece of me that hates this. My baby growing up. She just turned 17 last week and now she is on a junior class trip to Europe…without me. I can barely remember the new baby smell of holding her in my arms, dropping her off for kindergarten, reading her good night stories or watching her scoot behind a classmate during a school performance. I was warned many times, “They grow up so quickly. Like a blink of the eye.” I didn’t want to believe it.

I didn’t want it to be my last time.

We encounter last times throughout our parenting seasons. The last time they let you tuck them into bed. The last time they ask you to read a bedtime story. The last time they let you kiss them in the drop-off line. The last time they are excited that you unexpectedly dropped by for lunch.

I’ll be honest: some last times were welcomed with open arms. Like the last time I changed a dirty diaper! Or, the last time I stayed up all night with a sick little child. However, today I find myself reflecting and wishing I could turn back time. Some seasons past much too quickly.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1

To all my dear friends (and sister-in-law) who are awaiting a change, be it sending your kiddo to camp for the first time, graduation or a wedding. Let us find comfort in knowing that God’s grace is sufficient. He’s got this thing covered!

We can trust Him to take hold of our child’s hand.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9