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“But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, ‘You are my God!’”
Psalm 31:14 (NLT)
When our children start new phases of life like kindergarten, middle school or high school, it’s hard not to worry. But when they start college, worry takes on a whole new level. Worry coupled with the empty ache in our hearts from looking at their empty bedroom in our house can feel overwhelming and emotionally draining.
So, for all you moms sending your most treasured possessions off to a college campus, here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind to help you maintain peace and comfort in your heart as you embark on this new phase of life:
DON’T let your emotions run away with you. Don’t let your fears and emotions control your joy.
DO ask God to fill your heart with peace and comfort, and trust He is in control. It’s hard to control emotions, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of and love for our children. Ask God to fill you with a peace that surpasses understanding and the ability to control your emotions.
DON’T assume your child is going to make the same mistakes you did in college — or that they won’t make any mistakes at all. As moms, we want to prevent our kids from making decisions that will negatively impact them. But as much as we want to protect them, we have to let them make their own choices... which sometimes means their own mistakes. Just as we learned from our mistakes and may have already seen God use those mistakes for His glory, so will they.
DO pray for the Holy Spirit to be their guide. Ask God to convict their hearts if they start heading down a wrong path. We can’t always be with our children, but God is.
DON’T convince yourself that you’ve failed at getting your child ready for college. Sending a child off to college or any new phase of life is never easy on a mom’s heart. We can think of a million things we could/should have done better. But we are reminded in Proverbs 22:6 that if our child really knows the Lord, even if they stray, they will eventually return.
DO continue to pray daily for your child’s heart and life. Ask God to bring people into their lives who will be godly influences and help shape them in positive ways. Never cease praying for your children no matter how old they get.
Focusing on your faith instead of your worries and trusting God will be looking after them, the letting go seems a little less stressful.
Lord, help me have peace about sending my child off into this new season of life. Protect them in every way. Help me trust You are in control and always by their side. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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