Off to College

Well, today was the day. We took our oldest son, Mathew, to college. We got home just an hour ago. Our other two children were off at a friend's house. It was eerily quiet. I don't think my husband and I have ever been home, just the two of us, since... nineteen fhaoimfaisl something or other.

It was good for me to be home with just my husband. I immediately went into our son's room and began to clean, dust, and straighten. (Not exactly what you thought would happen, huh?) He's coming home this weekend so I want things to be nice for him. I guess it was my way of dealing with Matt's absence. Our family is close so when one of us is missing, it's noticeable. Though I'm full of mixed emotions right now, I'm so very happy for him. I'm also so very proud of him!

I prayed for him last night, my son. I actually laid my hands on his car, praying for his protection and safety. I prayed that he would make wise choices. I prayed for him to make new friends, godly friends. I prayed for his grades - for God to bless him not only with wisdom, but with knowledge, understanding, and clear thinking. I prayed for his future, his major, his career. I prayed for his roomate, for them to hit it off, and for him to be a Christian. Finally, I turned my son and his future completely over to God. We've raised him up in the Lord and we've done what we could to fulfill the commitment we made when we dedicated him as a baby to the Lord. Our role as parents changed today. He's always been a good boy and very responsible. He's a young man now, you know?

Still, I sit in his room, typing this blog on his computer (Yes, son, in case you are reading this, not only is your room clean, but I'm in your room on YOUR computer. Creepy, huh?) I guess being in Matt's room makes me feel close to him.

As I write this, the late afternoon sun filters lazily through Matt's window blinds spilling over on to his walls. The light orange glow tells of the sun's impending departure until morning. The strange lighting seems to echo my mixed emotions over this new phase of our lives. Sad for the setting of the life we knew for so long as a family, but excited about the new life and the wonderful future in store for Mathew. All I know is that God is there with our son though we can not be. In that we have peace.

Thank you , Lord, for you are good!

In His Love, Cathy