Thoughts on leaving my daughter at college.
Well, we brought our oldest to college this week. She is happily installed as a student at BJU studying Violin Performance. We had multiple answers to our many prayers. First, that she would have good roommates. She told me that as a room, they had decided to keep each other accountable for their devotional life. A good start. Also, Rebekah’s audition went well and she was asked to audition for the University Symphony Orchestra, which was a honor as a freshman.
She has texted me multiple times to ask me to pray about this or that…a sign that she is placing her dependence on God and not her own strength. That does a mother’s heart good.
She is not mine. She belongs to Someone else, and I was responsible for training her to love her God and and to set her hope in Him.
Some lessons and thoughts abut this week.
1. Life changes. 🙂 Change is good and God ordained.
2. Sometimes women try to find their fulfillment in their children, so they enjoy them being desperately needy for “momma” because it is a security for the dependent mother. They want the kids nearby and “home” to a unhealthy degree  even after they are married. Although this is a natural desire , it can morph into something unhealthy, and should be a warning sign that your hope is found in the proximity of your children and not in Christ alone.
3. My relationship with Rebekah is changing. We are sisters in Christ and my role will transition from instructor to more of a cheerleader and encourager now. Titus 2 mentoring will continue.
Of course I will miss Rebekah. That is natural. But I am glad that she is willing to go wherever God wants her to go, and that she is now learning to depend on her God. I am excited to see what God has in store for her, and what her future holds.
When I get home, I will hug my four children, and continue training hearts. School will start in a few days, and I am eager to teach them, having now some hindsight as experience.
Did you all start school already?
Linked to Courtney
Can’t even imagine one going off to college…always appreciate catching glimpses of your life…you’re one step ahead and I love the way you look at parenting and how you seek God in the midst of it all….
Love,
K
Thank you for sharing what you are learning. I’m still looking forward to this day (my oldest is a sophomore).
Oh Sarah! I have been waiting to hear the story and what an amazing women of Christ you have trained–who is calling asking a mother to go to the throne for her. Rebekah sounds like God hand is all over her and she is Looking to the Lord and HIs strength…what an amazing testimony you have to share with others. You have inspired me not to give up in training my little ones and I am sure for you some days were hard, but you were faithful in doing good works. I am so happy to hear the story. Keep shining and sharing my friend.
Love–
Nicole Auld
We too moved our daughter to college (at A&M). I noticed this past summer our relationship changing from traimimg to more of mentoring. We discuss the Bible as well as instruxt. I loved our conversations andd howI can see God working in Sarah’s life. My cup ran over as I listened to her give her younger sisters Godly advice. We are in a time of change, but it is such a beautiful time.
Continuing to pray for you at this time. it took me about a week to recover ! Drew is following the Lord with his life now and has given God the control…we are proud ! He plays in the college orchestra as well…violin. He loves it ! We start homeschool tomorrow. We have been without power since Saturday due to the hurricane, so it was restored just today. The kids are looking forward to getting started ! Ambassador has revival meetings live streamed this week at 9am and 7pm,,,check it out at the website ! http://www.ambassadors.edu. You should be able to catch a glimpse of him in the orchestra ! Praying for you !