Several years ago before kids had arrived on the scene, Jennifer and I had a mother daughter date. Our husbands were off doing ministry, so we grabbed the time for dinner together. I can still see Jen’s eyes dancing as we talked for more than two hours about her young marriage. She had so much to share! My little girl is now a minister’s wife, and she’s falling deeper in love with her husband every day. She told me that just that morning she woke to the sound of David praying. What a blessing that was to her.
As I listened to Jen, I marveled that my daughter is now managing her own home, creating a place of rest for David, cooking and trying new recipes, developing her own writing ministry, and opening their home to others for ministry. At some point during the meal, it hit me: My little girl is gone. In her place is a beautiful woman, a dedicated wife. Our relationship took another turn. My role as mom and her role as daughter shifted. Instead, we shared life together as two women, two friends, and two ministers’ wives. It was a sweet, sweet evening.
I left the restaurant that night with my heart full of joy and gratitude. Genesis 2:24 came to mind: “This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.” David and Jennifer are in full flight, growing in oneness. It’s a beautiful sight for this mom to behold.
Wherever you are in parenting, remember that you only have your children in your nest for a short season. Your charge is to give them wings to fly, to soar — to become all God designed for them to be.
Parents, remember you only have your children in your nest for a short season. Click To Tweet
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