Melissa has moved out

What an exciting experience for Melissa as she embarks on this new adventure.She has got an apartment on campus and has been moving in all week. As I sit here and type this I am watching her sleep on the couch here at our house. She will move her dresser tomorrow and some food from here and then that will be it ...she will be all moved in.This is probably the last night that she will sleep in our house maybe ever.How did this happen?...another child grown and moved on....Their lives go by so fast you don't even realize it until it is gone.Don't get me wrong I am pleased with both of my grown children and happy that they are able to make it on their own.The ache that it causes only another parent that has experienced this will understand. So much in our lives has changed in the last 18 months that it is hard to describe the ache that I sometimes have to turn back the clock about 20 years and enjoy it all over again.I know that the next 19 months will bring even more change in our lives. I know that when Robert finishes school we will leave behind our first born daughter and who knows where God will lead us next.We will also have to leave behind a new church family that we are learning to love so much that I know it will hurt a lot to move on from them. So much uncertainty in what our futures hold but so much certainty in our sovereign God's plan.Although we don't know what to expect next we know that God will direct us as we learn to trust Him more.I hope we can stay right here in Louisville if God so designs us a place to serve full time.Even if we do I am sure God will direct Melissa to where He wants to use her and so that will still mean a painful separation.
If you are reading this and have young children...hug them tightly, for soon they will be too far away to hug.Read to them often,for that will bring back sweet memories of times spent cuddled together on a quiet evening. Talk to them at every opportunity, for soon they will be too far away and too busy to talk to you much. Pray with them and for them for soon you will long to hear their prayers. Share your heart with them and inspire them to love Jesus for the fruits of that will be the only lasting joy.Play games when you really need to wash dishes for they will not remember the dishes but you will remember the times of fun and games. Go for nature walks and see through their eyes and show them just how great God is.Go outside when they are begging you to put down that laundry and see something they just saw and can't wait for you to come look. Let them help cook even when you know it may not turn out perfect if you do.Let them make dad's birthday cake even if it is lopsided for soon they will not be home for dad's birthday anymore and may be too busy to remember. Make Christmas decorations and put them on the tree even if it does not match your perfectly planned scheme for the tree for soon you will long to see those ornaments as you hang them without even seeing your child for Christmas this year. Go to their games even when you have morning sickness for soon they will play games so far away that you cant go anymore.Make cookies with them and take them to people to see the delight that it brings the recipient and the joy it brings your child. Make crafts when they get tired of the same old boring school lessons.Praise them often for someday they may remember that someone back home will always love them and be proud of them even when they make mistakes or feel they have failed.Be aware of the time and take advantage of it for time is passing quickly.Remember that you too will be sitting where I am sitting tonight watching you child as they sleep in your house for the very last time.
Becky