I remember my children being at this age. Not one of them wound up on the path they initially thought life would take them, but God has guided them all the way. He is a great parent, you know. He takes better care of my children than I could have ever done.
Still, when I am with them for an extended time, I find myself falling into whatever is happening in their lives. Not that any of them lead chaotic lives, but each one has their own set of challenges and consequences based on their life choices, which is true for all of us, isn't it?
We make choices, life happens, and we wind up with situations and circumstances that naturally arise from those choices. Nothing can change that; it is just the law of sowing and reaping.
Anyway, because I avoid and dislike conflict, chaos, and imperfection, difficult life situations unnerve me.
I was deep into thought about this when the Lord spoke up, saying, "Their problems and challenges are not your problems and challenges. They are only prayer points for you, nothing more. I oversee their lives. Leave the adult parenting to me.
When I stick my nose in where I am not invited, point out things I see, or try to fix them, I am not trusting the Lord. I'm making things harder for them. I am upsetting myself to the point that I might impulsively say or do something that could hurt them.
Trusting the Lord means I bring those concerns to Him alone while I portray love, assurance, and faith. Shining a light is better than provoking them to wrath. When I cast doubt or worry, I only make their way darker and more difficult. I don't want to do that.
They are succeeding in their lives. Am I succeeding in mine? That is the better question. Judge myself first - right?
When I was their age, I faced challenges and choices, too. This is the part of the adult process that fosters faith and wisdom. So, let them grow. Let them face consequences and work through life's challenges with the Lord. He will direct them because their heavenly Father is that sort of faithful parent. I can hold them up in prayer and watch Him work.
With these thoughts in mind, and the voice of the Lord in my head, we arrived home after a long drive from Atlanta to Missouri.
The Lord has provided us with a lovely lodge out on the family farm for us to use while we are stateside. It belongs to my cousin and was just completed last year. He and his wife come through doing a bit more with each visit. This time, while we were away, they hung some pictures in the living area.
Well, as the Lord would have it, one was a quote from Mother Teresa that amplified the discussion I had been having with the Lord. She said,
You will teach them to fly, but they will not fly your flight.
You will teach them to dream, but they will not dream your dreams.
You will teach them to live, but they will not live your life.
Nevertheless, in every flight, in ever live, in every dream,
the print of the way you taught them will remain.
How true! My life is not their life. My children and grandchildren are only a portion of my life, a place where I invest all I can to give them the ability and freedom to fly, dream, and live. My prayers for them will last through generations, and my prayers and influence are an indelible part of their lives.
This truth brought calmness, confidence, and joy to my heart. With all the challenges my children have faced and are facing, they are flying, dreaming, and living their lives. I see God's hand in each of them. What more could I ask?
And He will do the same for my grandchildren as they learn to fly, dream, and live because He is the faithful parent. He remains beside them. He will answer this grandmother's prayers.
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