It Isn’t Nothing
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing.
I’m used to living under the illusion that I can control things (like my classroom), or protect people (like my child), or prevent things (like an accident on the highway by my defensive driving).
But, the older I get the more I realize that I can control nothing. That essentially, my plans or ideas are nothing more significant than a dandelion seed scattered about on a breath of wind. What happens is so often beyond anything I have the power to do anything about.
I’m sending my son on a plane from O’Hare today. He’s traveled plenty: to Greece, to Slovakia, to domestic places like Florida and Texas. But, he’s always traveled with me. Or, someone who’s watching over him like his grandparents. Today, he must do it himself. It’s good for him. It’s good for me to let him go.
Around Easter our pastor gave a sermon on Jesus’ last words, “Into Thy Hands I commit my spirit.” I’ll never forget his point: do the right thing. Trust God for everything else.
That’s all I have the power to do.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
I will say a little prayer that your son will arrive safe and sound, wherever he is going. That is about all we can really do, huh?
I understand what you are feeling, it will get better with time. Letting your child leave alone for the first time is difficult, but he will make you proud, you’ll see,
One mom to another
((hugs))
It is so hard to let go & not try to fix things as they get older (I am still working on this, with uneven success). Holding thoughts of his safe arrival…I hope he has a fabulous time wherever he is going & that he will come home & tell you all about it–glowing with pride (and you will, too).
Well said! Hugs to you.
Traveling mercies for him and hugs for you
Beautiful, Bellezza! I will keep your son in my prayers for safe travel! Isn’t it a wonderful relief when we finally get it that we are not in control…we can’t control everything…but we certainly have a loving God whose hands surround us…on this we can count. Everything will be as it should when we trust in Him
Have a Happy Day!
Is the trip organized by a school or hosted by some organization? Every time anyone I love and care about travels away, I worry about them. I can’t help but do. It’s human nature!
I guess I should have written in my post that he’s just going to his paternal grandparent’s in Ohio. No Big Deal, except for navigating through the Hairy O’Hare airport. This is a good experience not only for him to go, but for me to let him go. What, am I going to guide him in his twenties through life? I’d better let go Now!
I sent my eldest to his grandparents’ home alone, a time or two. He did fine. It sounds like you need the book I just reviewed. Go peek, B.
Such a good thing to remember. I too have a tendency to want to be in control and have had many opportunities this year to learn that I’m not the one in control. Thanks for the reminder.
As Death Cab for Cutie says, “Every plan is a tiny prayer to Father Time.”
It’s hard to take a step back and let them navigate the world alone. My oldest daughter went to The Netherlands with People to People when she was 17. Letting her go was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was a great experience for her.
JoAnn, my son was invited to go to Australia with People to People, but guess what? In the end, I wouldn’t let him go. Now is certainly his time!
I believe I was forced into letting go when my daughter was quite young. She had to fly back and forth to CA to visit her dad every summer, beginning when she was just 10 years old. She is now a seasoned traveler, having spent a couple of weeks in France (college study program), Italy (college graduation gift), England (2 weeks with me when she was 11), New York (countless times). She’s driven to and from TX to NE and CA with friends and alone. She is one of the most independent young women I know. However, it’s taken me almost 15 years not to worry. Too much.
I hope you son is having a grand time and that he has safe travels home.
Wow, Les, you’ve given her some wonderful opportunities (even if they were ‘forced’ when she was little, much as my son who had to visit his dad in Michigan). I believe in empowering our children, I just got a late start.
Goodness–I thought I had commented on this post. I certainly read it several weeks ago. Hope all is going well, Bellezza. Will your son be gone for long?
Trish, he’s home already and everything turned at beautifully as it usually does when I trust Him. Silly me, living too often in fear.