The day we’ve been working towards for the past 18+ years has arrived. Today my husband and I are moving our baby girl to college. Even though helping to shape her into an independent adult has been the goal all along, I will admit I feel a bit unprepared for the other side now that we are staring that goal right in the face.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT)
Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, not only for Hillary, but for the whole family. We are entering a new season. It’s time, yet change can be scary. Lately, the range of emotions at my house has covered quite a bit of territory—anywhere from total dread to pure excitement, sometimes all at the same time!
We will encounter various seasons over the course of our lives, and our calling, or activity, will be a bit different in each one. For instance, when my daughter was born with significant health issues, I was called to leave my teaching job behind to stay at home with her. It was quite a transition. Are you currently moving from one season into another? Perhaps you have just come out on the other side of a life-altering transition. No matter your story I am confident that you can relate to this idea of changing seasons. It can be hard, sometimes even downright scary, to let go of the comfortable and enter into the unknown. I have good news—we have company!! We are not alone. Heed these words from God to the prophet Isaiah and take comfort:
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)
These words are for you and me too. Go ahead and acknowledge that life may never be the same. Let’s not allow fear to paralyze us though. Rather, let’s walk boldly into the future knowing that God is with us each step of the way and will see us through to victory. As a good friend frequently tells me, “I read the end of the book—we win!”
Best wishes to the college freshmen and their families as they embark on that next chapter. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Go get’em Hillary!
God bless Polly…again, wonderfully written. Will hold you all in prayer and yes, it will be tough but you will adjust. (Will forward this to Jody)! Oh, and ….Keep looking up!
This is really what you have raised her to be, independent and grow. My heart is both happy and heavy at the same time today but remember God is with us each step of the way. He is with Hillary, with you and Todd and with me!!! Love you!! As usual I love your writings!!
Dearest Polly and Todd, this is beautifully written and expressed….I can’t think of anything else to say….life is a beautiful journey and it is so much better with God and Family by your side
What a beautiful daughter you have raised! Aunt Jayne couldn’t be more proud. Life is a journey and today is the first day of yet another chapter in all of your lives. Keep turning the pages! It just keeps getting better… I promise you. Love you all! Xxoo