It happens all too soon. That newborn baby, who needed you for everything from taking care of feeding and clothing to kissing boo-boos, suddenly doesn’t need you 24/7.
I remember our youngest son at preschool age. I tried to talk him out of going to school because I wasn’t ready for the separation. We went out for a quick lunch when I urged, “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”
“But Mom, I want to go!”
Tearfully, I took him to his first day of school. He had a ball; however, I was not the only mom who had a hard time breaking away.
I had the same experience with our daughter. I wasn’t ready for her to leave for full-day school, when God showed me something. One day while supporting her on a two-wheeler bike, she must have spotted the fear in my eyes of her falling. This determined 7-year-old announced, “Mom, you have to let me go sometime.” I felt this message had a much deeper meaning than just riding a bike.
Yes, it is tough to watch our children grow up. After looking forward to my oldest son’s summer break from college, he announced that he was moving to St. Louis for the summer with his cousin. Again, I bawled. You’d think I’d get it after all these years. However, in a couple of weeks with God’s help, I adjusted. I then realized the move was necessary for his growth as well as mine.
In letting go, God teaches us a valuable lesson — to trust in His almighty power. We are only human and are limited. God, our father, is limitless and has perfect judgment. The greatest compliment I can give Him is my trust.
An Al-Anon slogan says, “Let go and let God.” This has provided much solace for those trying to control an alcoholic’s behavior. We cannot. But we can let go of the situation into God’s powerful hands. He always knows the best way out of a dilemma.
Most of the time we don’t realize that letting go is actually freeing up the situation so that God can work. Letting go does not equal being passive, however, it does mean that we do all we can through God’s guidance then give the outcome to Him. It certainly takes a lot of growth and practice to perfect this. I’m still learning!
The saints were masters at this. St. Francis of Assisi, who begged for food, did not worry about how he would feed his friars or where they would sleep. He prayed and trusted that God would provide for them and He always did. God loves when we trust Him.
This is a lesson that I relearn many times, and this also takes letting go. I do my part and leave the rest to God. The results are always more glorious than anything I could have done. Like the song says, “Our God is an awesome God!”
Proverbs 3:5 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Copyright © 2013, Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell, from Chicago, is a devout Catholic who likes to mix the divine truth with humor. She thinks it's the only way we can get through this life! Mary is the mother of three and has been married to her husband, Philip, more than 20 years. She has attempted to live the vows as a Secular Franciscan for about 20 years, but has a long way to go.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.