Arrows Released

"Unless the LORD builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

...

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the children of one's youth.

Blessed is the man

who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

(Psalm 127 ESV)

Ready, set, go!

Within a month's time, we moved both kids out of our home, each into their own apartment with anticipation of a great adventure ahead. I can't really describe the feelings I have...but it's all good.

Success! All packed up with room to spare.

Ft. Wayne or bust. :)

A place of her own...

A proud daddy with his "Little Girl"

Saying "Goodbye for now!"

"See Mom, I told you it would all fit!" Smartypants...

Approximately one month later, Chad drove home from Huntsville to pack up his room. His task was a bit easier as much of his belongings have been in Hunstville for the past three years. (Well - at least since the fall.) He spent some time fishing with his dad, and hanging our with his mom (that's me!). We enjoyed his brief stay.

Everything fit into his truck.

Heading to Hunstville via Ft. Wayne  - 1month and 2 days after we  left with Cristin

"We've done our job well, Ma," Craig whispers in my ear as we glance down the hall of our home. "It is kinda weird to look down the hall and see empty rooms, though." 

Yeah...satisfying, and a bit ... quiet.

The arrows have been released and are flying, no - they're soaring high! We've aimed them towards a target and pray daily that they reach the bulls-eye.

Gifts of this season:

• The "kids" excited to spend time together, planning a visit. Hearing muffled sounds of excited phone conversations between them.
• A call from my gal just to say, "Mom, I LOVE my job and I LOVE Ft. Wayne!"
• Hearing reference to meeting with "colleagues" - music to our ears after 5 years of college preparation!
• A call from my guy to tell me about his first day on the Co-Op job. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear the excitement in his voice!
• Calls for recipes.
• Calls to ask Dad advice.
• Listening to stories about planning expenditures and budgeting...*smiles* This is where you see what's really important to them. :)
• Hearing stories about decorating ...and planting a garden?
• Love to hear the excitement he has about his church...and her stories of church shopping. Praying for God's clear direction, there.

Our quiver is now empty, but our hearts are full. People often remark about both of our kids moving away from home. My response is that we always pray that they seek and follow God's will for THEIR life, whether that takes them to the other side of the world, across the country, across the state, or next door.

"Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

We've trained them up with God's help and His guidance, we've aimed them to be in the center of God's will and released them into God's more than capable, loving hands. Now, we've all embarked on a new adventure, and because God is directing, we know it will be an exciting ride!

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of our children and the incredible responsibility and honor you have given us to raise them for a time. I pray we have honored you.