There comes a day in every mother’s life when it is time to let go of the children God has given her. The day seems to come all to quickly. For me that time has come and went several times, but it never gets easier. I have been blessed with two amazing children by birth and two more with the blessing of marriage.
It seems only yesterday I was holding each in my arms for the first time. Now I hold them in my heart as they spread their wings to fly to new places and new adventures that God has placed before them. Each has married Godly spouses that follow God’s plans for their lives. This makes the separation of miles easier to accept.
Two years ago I saw my son, Jimmy and his beautiful wife Tara move to Jonesboro, Arkansas. Jimmy was being called to be a youth pastor in Tara’s father church. Jimmy had been the youth pastor in our church for four years. God has placed an anointing on his life to reach teenagers for Christ. Many found and developed a faith here because of his ministry. There were teenagers in Jonesboro that God knew Jimmy would befriend, lead to Him, and mentor as the youth pastor did for him at that age. I can still see the u-haul truck pulling out of the McDonalds parking lot where we had said our good-byes. The tears still come with the memory but there is joy because I know they are following God.
On April 14th Patty and Marshall too will move away. They are headed to Texas. Patty has always been a traveler. I have said good-bye many times. First to college then to Atlanta, Georgia for three years. She has been in Florida for the past two years. God sent her home when it was time for Jimmy and Tara to leave. God then blessed her with a Godly husband that loves her so completely. The 12th of April last year they were married and have lived close by in Ocala. Now a good opportunity for Marshall has presented itself and it is time for them to move to Texas.
I gave each of my children to God when they were only a few weeks old. I have trusted Him with them their whole lives. They both love God with their whole being and desire His will for their lives. I feel blessed to know wherever they go God will be there guiding, directing, and protecting them. Someday He will bless them with children to watch grow and learn to love and serve Him.
So the time has come for Momma to release these precious children to the amazing futures God has planned for them. Knowing that even though the miles may separate us we will never be separated in our hearts.
Patty and Jimmy you will always be my babies. You are also my children who give me so much joy and love. My prayers and love will follow you four wherever you go. Our times together will be cherished in my heart.
I love you Patty and Marshall. I love you Jimmy and Tara.
