It is amazing as our children grow in their independence how we can feel both pride and fear simultaneously. How two different feelings can coincide so accurately. Recently our oldest son finished his last course of drivers training and will be driving on his own by the end of the month. One part of me is excited for him in this new chapter, and a little for me to not have to take him everywhere; although, I also worry about him on the road without me or my husband. I worry about his safety and driving carefully and others driving carefully around him. In moments like these we teach our children, then we sit back and watch them put everything they’ve learned into action, as we pray hard for them through it all. Trusting that even if we’re not in that passenger seat directing them and being an extra set of eyes, that God is. He is with them in ways, even as parents we can’t be. God knows what lies ahead for our children and He rides along through all their milestones beside them. Directing them, guiding them, looking out for them in ways only He can. Loving them to a depth only He can reach. So, as we watch our children reach new milestones and gain new skills that enter them closer to independence, even as we have pride and fear, we can also have assurance in God’s love for them. My oldest son will be driving soon and despite my big feelings in it all, I can still breathe through it because I know my son really won’t be alone. He will have God right beside him, loving him through the next journey, just as He always has and always will.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”