From Apron Strings to Roots

As I contemplate my oldest daughter's senior year coming up this fall, I am drawn to memories from the past. Moments like these bring on some predictable bouts of nostalgia that seem unavoidable. Memories starting from the womb of an unborn life growing inside me as God formed her inward parts woven together in the womb (Psalm 139:13).

I laugh at the thought that I wanted a boy at the time. I had heard of the connection of a mother-son bond that I wanted to know. I had the name Levi picked out for this baby of an unknown gender at the time and joined a children's book club with that very name. Jokes fly around our house about how she was almost a Levi and how mom wanted a boy. But I'm glad that God always knows the best plans for me, because I wouldn't have it any other way.

God in his infinite wisdom blessed me with not only one but two daughters. As my oldest has grown to nearly adulthood I see why God chose me to have this young lady, this wonderful daughter in my life. A bond forms between mother and daughter that is like no other and I would dare say that we will be the closest of friends once she continues to grow and mature into adulthood.

Memories continue on from birth to her present age of almost 17 years. I remember the first tears I cried over her in my arms as I finally saw her little face for the first time. They would not be the last tears I cried for her or from her. From tears of joy over accomplishments to tears of frustration over a wayward child wanting her own way. From sleepless nights during infancy to sleepless nights of worry as she's out with her friends experiencing independence, experiencing life apart from her mother. The apron strings slowly grow more and more and further away from me. It is truly bittersweet. A mother wants her children to grow, mature, and go off and do great things in the world, and even more, a Christian mother wants their child to go and do great things for the Lord, but yet the love we have for them makes us want to hold them tight and hold them close.

Dr. Seuss's book, "The Places You'll Go" has become a popular book to give as a gift to graduates and I appreciate the value of that, but the greatest book and knowledge I can leave for my children is the Words of the author of life. I want for this daughter of mine to lay up the Words of God in her heart and in her soul (Deuteronomy 11:18) and with that in heart and mind, the places she will go will indeed. God will make known to her the paths of life (Proverbs 16:11) and his Word will be a lamp to her feet and a light to her path (Psalm 119:105), and that when her heart is overwhelmed she will be led to the rock that is higher than her (Psalm 61:2). My prayer is as she goes into the world she will take the gospel with her (Mark 16:15).

So, next year with tears in my eyes again for this child I once held in my arms I will say Go. Go where God sends you, do what God calls, be who God wants you to be, love like God shows you. Life's instructions are written for you the Bible, so take them with you.

The apron strings may be hard to cut and let go, but if we do so our children, the disciples of tomorrow, have the opportunity to exchange those strings in for roots that can be firmly planted and built up in Christ and establish their own faith in the Him if we have instructed them in the Lord (Colossians 2:6-7).

Paul wrote these words to Timothy that are just as fitting for our young children today. "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12