What Now?

For the next couple of months, Pam will be exploring the realities and depths of releasing children into the world for the work of the gospel and the ministry of Christ.  She will be sharing truths identifying the gospel as the reason and center of raising children.   There’s much to look forward to – stay tuned!

Breanna

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The car was packed to the top, the door was closed, and I stood there and watched my son of 24 years drive away.  He was headed to Texas to begin a job as a Legislator Coordinator.  It was hard to say good-bye.  He will be gone for six months – so far away.  Then my heart was reminded by the Lord: “Pam, letting them go is just as important as raising, teaching and nurturing them when they are young.  This is the Lord’s will.”

Psalm 127:4 says, “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of one’s youth.”  When you shoot arrows, you do not shoot them close to you.  I have observed in some circles of parents, a desire to cling too tightly to their adult children, run their lives, and control their wills.  This is not to be, because our children are the Lord’s arrows given to us, their parents, on loan.

When this son of mine, Micah, was 8 years old he had to have a 9-½ hour brain surgery.  It was at this time that I realized that the Lord has my children in His hands.   Psalm 31:15a says, “my times are in they hand, says the Lord.”  The Lord spared my Micah’s life and I am grateful to have been given the joy of watching him grow into a man.

We must be willing to release our children and continue to parent in faith and not fear.

So, do I stop parenting?  No.  The journey of prayer, love, and encouragement for my son will always be my life’s work.  I still pray for Micah’s future [“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth” – Joshua 1:8] and his life work [“For this cause we also since the day we heard of it do not cease to pray for you, and desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” – Colossians 1:9].  I pray for his needs, his protection, and for his continued spiritual growth.

But, I don’t look back.  I step forward in faith – a new day, a new season in my life as a parent.  I am so fulfilled being a wife and mother, but my significance must be found in the person of Jesus Christ.

Oh that our arrows would always be ready to be released for His glory – not kept close to us for our desires and designs.  Instead, may our longing be that they will make a mark in life for Christ and Christ alone.

In Faith,

Pam Cavanaugh