Because I’ve Never Been a Woman of Few Words
So, it’s been a year of huge life events. The hard kind that take you to the edge and make you fully dependent on no one but God…so you can realize that’s exactly the point. And when these things happen, some people sink into quiet contemplation, but people like me talk it out, type it out, shout it out or write it out. So, that’s what I’ve been doing.
The main thing on my mind this morning is how I drove away from a college campus yesterday, waving good-bye to my son in the rear-view mirror and how this house is quieter today than it’s ever been. And I want to take a minute to say that all your kind comments and support yesterday on my Facebook page means so very much to me. I know so many of you have already done this brave thing and lived to tell about it, and it helps to have you pulling for me.
But I’d been preparing for that day. I knew it was coming. And since my kids are often the main audience for most of my outpourings of thought, I had to do one last project for my son as he left home for the first time. It’s a little green book of wisdom. I’ve been working on it for a while now, putting it together so he can have it to refer back to in the face of life.
It’s a combination of my own words, some favorite photos, and a hundred or so of my favorite quotes I printed from my Things I Know For Sure board on Pinterest. (Yay, I actually did something with it!)
It’s a little book for the next phase… The phase where he becomes a little less dependent on his parents, and we all become much more dependent on God.
I could’ve probably filled 10 books with daily reminders and advice for life… but the Lord reminded me as I worked on this book: this isn’t the end. No need to try to cram another lifetime of lessons into a few pages. And it’s not really Dave and I coming to the end of the path and saying, “God, he’s all Yours now.”
He’s been God’s all along. Whatever work we’ve done as parents to help him be who he’s meant to be is really just God working through us. So, it’s not over. I don’t have to panic that he might make a mistake. I have to accept that he will. But even that will help him become who he needs to be.
So if you have words for your kids, write them out, print them out, or whatever, but don’t forget to pray them out, too. It does more for all of usthan any otherexpression of all our words–andsome of us have a lot ofthem!
Denise Greenwood
September 8, 2015 @ 1:41 pm
Love this post. Thanks for sharing your heart! Such truth – they're God's all along. I have to remind myself of this fact often. But it is so peace-giving.
Ellie
September 8, 2015 @ 5:12 pm
oh I love your book! we dropped my son off 3 weeks ago at college – the week after was sooooo hard 🙁 praying for your sweet Mommy's heart – these changes are rough!
Julie
September 9, 2015 @ 12:10 am
Yes, they are! Every prayer us appreciated!!
chrissiwithab
September 8, 2015 @ 8:19 pm
if everyone had this sort of tangible gift of love to carry them through college, the world would just be so different. what a gift. if you don't mind i will borrow this idea and make a quick book for my cute husband who will soon celebrate his birthday. for the days when the world beats down and i may not say just the right thing and just the right moment, he will know that we so love him♥
Julie
September 9, 2015 @ 12:11 am
I love it! So glad you can take this idea & make it yours!
Jordyn Upchurch
September 9, 2015 @ 4:41 am
This is an absolutely beautiful gift, one that I'm sure he'll treasure forever!
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
Dorene Blauvelt
September 9, 2015 @ 5:36 pm
What a treasured gift you made for your son! My youngest started college today, and while it is a proud moment as a parent to watch them successfully take the next step on their personal journeys, it also brings a bit of longing too, as we watch them eave childhood behind. Trust in the fact that you've given him a strong foundation, and try to fill your lonely moments by reliving the wonderful memories you have of his youth….and take joy in the fact that there are many more amazing moments ahead for all of you.
Liz
September 9, 2015 @ 5:56 pm
Beautiful and wise words! I have jotted them down in my journal as a reminder! :o) May your precious son be blessed at college. May the Lord bring to him a special, close brother in CHRIST to live this new adventure with him. May the Lord continue to give you His peace and assurance that "all is well." Love and blessings in CHRIST,
Julie
September 10, 2015 @ 1:18 am
Thank you so much!! ❤️
Anna @ A Good Home
September 10, 2015 @ 2:55 pm
Oh Julie, this made me cry so hard. My precious oldest started 2nd grade this year and it hurts my heart to think about her leaving in a few years. I'm praying for all you mamas that have had to let your babies go off to college or whatever next stage they've chosen. I LOVE the book you made for your son, such a wonderful tangible piece of your heart for him to keep close.
Julie
September 11, 2015 @ 12:03 am
Thank you, Anna!!! So glad you like the book, too 🙂
Kim
September 10, 2015 @ 8:20 pm
beautiful…
Julie
September 11, 2015 @ 12:04 am
thank you!
John Webb
September 12, 2015 @ 7:45 pm
Wow! What a beautiful gift! If you don't mind Julie, I'd love to take that idea and run with it as well! I have started "letters to my daughters", but this is bringing so many more neat ideas to mind! By the way – your handwriting is gorgeous!! I've got chicken scratch – better go practice on my penmanship:)!
Kelly
Julie
September 17, 2015 @ 12:30 am
So sweet, Kelly! I'm not surprised you're already starting a special book for your daughters! They'll love it!
Lisa | Shine Your Light
September 5, 2016 @ 7:36 pm
Julie this filled up my heart so very much as my eldest starts his senior year of high school school tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing a beautiful gift and idea that I will put my energies and emotions into this year.
Julie
September 5, 2016 @ 8:49 pm
The perfect time for this! I collected so many things in Pinterest and then printed the pieces & wrote the pages in the last few weeks Praying for you all!