“A daughter may outgrow her mother’s lap,
but she will never outgrow her mother’s heart.”
Brooke and her two new roomies!
Finally, time to breathe. Not alot of time, though, as one more bird needs help packing before he flies from the nest this Tuesday. The last Tuesday in an August of Tuesdays. As you can see from the pictures above, Brooke has settled into her new home-away-from-home with great success. She is all smiles. Loving every little minute of life at Liberty U. After a full day of packing, unpacking, sorting, hanging, nailing, arranging, rearranging, last minute shopping at a busy Wal-Mart (much to the dismay of her father. . .what else can she need????), and meeting RA’s, Prayer Leaders, Student Life Directors, new friends, and old friends, Brooke was all moved in. I was astounded by the cheerful young women who met us at the entrance of the dorm, offering help and bottles of water. Rob and Grant had eight young woman helping them carry our two car loads of “stuff.” I heard no complaints from Grant—at all. The entire process was rather easy—which took us by surprise. So, after a long day, Rob and I dropped Grant off at a friend’s dorm, and found our way to our hotel. We finished the day off with a dose of the Olympics and a great big thank you to God!
Early the next morning, Rob held my hand as I ventured to the Distance Learning/Graduate Studies Office at Liberty U, where I met with an admissions counselor. After asking a hand full of questions, I took a deep breath and enrolled for my first graduate class. One class. One toe in the water (see June 2, 2008 blog, “Toes in the Water”). It felt surreal. As I looked into Rob’s eyes for reassurance, he smiled. I can’t explain why or how this next step, this new feather in my empty nest, came about, but I do believe God is moving me in this direction. So, with trepidation and dependence on God, I am embarking on a new journey. The markers of my past have all pointed me in this direction, so I trust God and take the leap. Funny isn’t it? The book I have been working on for several years now, Freefall: Take the Leap and Trust God, was first and foremost for me. I am being called to live out the words I have been writing on paper. Writing to help others trust more completely in Christ. I was reading an article online today in which the author writes, “Faith in God is not some random blind leap of faith; it is belief in something we cannot see, yet which can be trusted on the basis of reasonable, reasoned through, thought-out evidence.”
Trusted on the basis of reasonable, reasoned through, thought-out evidence. God is real. God is completely trustworthy. So, when God call us to move in faith, he is not asking us to take a blind leap of faith, but an actual freefall. . .knowing with 100% certainty that he is who he says he is. Complete and total trust that our spiritual parachute will open and will guide us to a safe landing.
As Rob and I walked out of that office, I held his hand tightly. I knew life was taking a turn. We were entering new territory. A new phase of ministry, together. Sad on one hand, but very aware on the other hand, that God has special plans for us, as a couple. Now we will have time to nurture our marriage, enjoy life as a couple, and be involved in kingdom business. More on that later!
The rest of the day was spent helping Brooke navigate her new life at Liberty. She and I met with the Director of Disabilities and established a plan of action that will allow for accomodations for Brooke’s dyslexia. As Brooke and the Director discussed everything that would take place and toured the facilities, my mother’s heart rested. This was my biggest concern and God, in His goodness, showed me that HE loves Brooke more than I and had it all in HIS control. Right then and there, I let go. Privately praying, while they talked, I simply let go. And in the words of a dear friend, knew that “his eye was on the sparrow” and that Brooke would be fine.
Several hours later, after a good lunch and strong ice tea, we said our goodbyes. It was difficult to be sad, because Brooke was so happy. Three or four hugs later, I watched her walk away, tears filling her eyes. The ride home was very, very quiet. Grant slept the entire way home. Rob and I found silence a healing balm. As the day came to a close, Brooke and I talked on Skype. Her bright smiling face made everything okay. Nibbling on a chocolate chip cookie, she thanked me for the day. Assured me that she was fine. Thanked me for the letter I had placed on her pillow.
Now, it’s Grant’s turn. My last Tuesday is quickly approaching. He insists that I will have a major meltdown. I think he is actually looking forward to it. Time will tell. Until then, remember that God is trustworthy. If you find yourself facing a similar experience, where things are changing, trust God. It isn’t a blind leap of faith, because we KNOW for certain who we believe in. . .and He is faithful.
Janell, what a beautiful blog! I’m so happy to have discovered it. As you know I am struggling with my own season of letting go (KINDERGARTEN!) and I can relate to so much of what you are feeling. You are an inspiration to me! I will look forward to following your new & exciting journey in this season of life! Blessings to you!
The depths of the love a Mother has for her children is a beautiful picture of the UNFATHOMABLE love God has for us!
God will send His ravens to our little Brooke to offer sustenance and encouragement. She is now, more than ever, walking the path with God.
As to Grant, this is a really big step for him. His decisions as to education and career choices will affect a future family. The responsibility is huge, huh? Thank God, he has had one of the best men to watch and learn from his whole life…. Rob Rardon!
I can think of no other children whose preparation for life has been any better than Candace, Brooke, and Grant. God’s Hand is so gracious. His Eye so loving, His ways, so tender.
Your next step? God is at work. He will use you to influence yet another generation. I am so proud of you. I am not surprised at God’s working in the choicest of His daughters.
Love, Sherri
Dear Kristina! Mother extraordinaire! Thank you for your kind words. As I told you in church this morning, letting go is never easy, whether it is kindergarten or college. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I felt such a loss of control. It requires a movement towards God. A movement towards trusting him with our deepest loves. It is all about trust, isn’t it? One thing I know for sure. . .we can trust God. He is trustworthy. He is TRUST. I will be praying for you on your very own “Tuesday.” Hugs!
Dear Sherri! Once again, your words are life. I keep reminding myself of your words a few weeks ago. . .”his eye is on the sparrow.” And then I recall 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” As I walked Liberty’s campus, I couldn’t help but think of this verse and earnestly pray for all of the young men and women going off to college. May there hearts be fully committed to him. Oh, Lord, may MY heart be fully committed to YOU. Thank you for you constant prayers and life-giving support. LOVE!
Dear Janell,
Finally I am able to check out your blog and I am crying as I read your latest post about Brooke leaving! I can’t stand it! You have tended your garden well. Your children are blooming and thriving and bringing beauty to the new places where they have been transplanted. And I know they leave behind a beautiful fragrance in your home. Let the sweet aroma of memories remind you that you have done well with what has been entrusted to you. I love you, friend! Many hugs from Iowa as you get through all these Tuesdays….
Kathy
Oh, Kathy! So good to hear from you. I think of you all the time. As soon as this week is over, I will give you a call. Candace is thrilled at the possibility of Jenn coming to London over Thanksgiving. Hopefully, you know about that! Smile. Life is definitely taking on a whole new look. I pray you are well! HUGS and Love!