Who Said Transition Is Easy?

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life...So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Samuel 1:10-11, 20

Do you have days like Hannah? Where you pray for God to look on your misery and remember you?

I wouldn’t describe today like that, but it was the first day of college for my youngest, Josh. Many words come to mind to describe how I felt as I watched him drive down the road toward his newest endeavor. Bittersweet. Proud. Sad. Happy. So many mixed emotions. When I logged onto Facebook, this picture was one of the first I saw.

Kind of describes how I felt. I know many other mothers are going through this right now, also. I’m fortunate Josh will live at home while attending college, at least this semester. I remember a mother sharing with me once that she cried harder when her baby went off to college than when her older son joined the military. There’s something about an empty nest that shows the hands of time and pushes you into the next stage of parenthood whether you’re ready or not.

As I drove by TL Hanna High School this morning on the way to the gym, I didn’t see Josh’s truck in the parking lot as in years past and know he was inside the school. Instead, he was thirty miles away at Greenville Tech. I’m thrilled he’s on his way to becoming a full-time paid firefighter after three years of volunteering. Yet, the bittersweet feelings crept in as I realized for the first time in twenty-five years I don’t have a child in elementary, middle, or high school. Twenty-five years gone in the snap of a finger. Or so it felt.

After he was weaned, she [Hannah] took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli [the priest], and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:24-28

Every time I read Hannah’s story in the Bible, I admire her faithfulness. People often beg for things from God and make promises in return. Sometimes the promises are big. Hannah’s sacrifice seems huge from my perspective as a mother. Yet, God calls us to raise godly children and then send them out into the world to live for Him. It doesn’t always turn out this way, but that’s the goal.

If you’re a mother (or father) who’s had a difficult week moving your child into a college dorm or just waving good-bye from the driveway as they leave for that first day of class, you’re in my prayers. I know what a comfort God’s peace can be during this transition.

Whether you’re going through a major transition, experiencing deep anguish as Hannah did, or just need to feel God’s grace in your life, maybe you’ll find comfort in worshipping with our heavenly Father through this song, “Busted Heart (Hold Onto Me)” by For King and Country.

Praise Report:

Emily had good results from her blood work and scans last week. Her family thanks everyone for their faithful and continued prayers as she battles Osteosarcoma.

Prayer Requests:

From Janey: Please pray for my husband [Darren] and the Northside Baptist team in Greece. This email greeted me when I awoke:  Just in case my connection fails later I love you. We have a group of Russian Muslims (300 or so) that have figured out what is going on. Making things interesting. Not really sure how to expand on that just that we are moving some things around to try and stay out of their way as much as we can.

If you have a prayer need, please share it in the comments or e-mail me confidential requests. Our prayer list is located at the top of the blog along with info on Sgt. Jesse McCart, an American soldier injured by an IED in Afghanistan. Would you take a few moments to pray for these folks, as well as those who leave comments today? Thanks!

Shalom,                                                                      

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

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My friend & fellow Christian writer, Cindy O’Brien, writes an encouraging blog, "My Little Corner." Take a moment to check it out. You’ll be blessed by her posts.