Recently our oldest grandson decided he would like to spread his wings and fly. This season of life can be challenging for parents and grandparents.
During a transitional and relocation period, he had been living with my wife and I. It was just as hard to see him leave, as it was when his dad had left our home. His dad was also in complete agreement with the way we felt.
A friend had asked me if we had attempted to stop him from going. I explained that we had not. Our grandson had his heart set on this adventure and that we did not want to clip his wings so short that he would never try to fly again. Also, I did not think it was our place to stop him from leaving the nest.
We shared with him the vices or tricks of the devil that he may run into on his journey. I suppose this was our way of trying to discourage him.
We wanted him to understand that we had full confidence in his abilities to conduct himself in a Christian manner and to be a self-supporting adult.
When we departed, I hugged him and advised him to always and above all things, remember his walk with the Lord. Then, I told him that he would always be welcome with open arms if he ever needed to return to our home.
Of course, there was that quick turning and brisk walk back to the car, so that he and the others would not see our teary eyes. I wished I had waited for one last view of him looking at us with an expression saying thanks for letting me fly.
With the hopes of a reunion of high school friends and a better paying job, he joyfully left for his journey. Though we were broken to see him go, our hearts are hopeful for his success. We returned home to a subdued, and saddened environment.
Later in the evening, I received a text from him that said he hoped he had left us in good standing. I texted him back indicating that everything was fine and he had left on good terms.
After all, I do want him to feel welcome when he returns to our home someday, either to visit or to stay. Also, I want him to feel the joy in our hearts at his success in this transition.
We do believe in PROVERBS 22:6 … Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
There comes a time that the younger generation desires to spread their wings and fly. We need to let them know that there is a nest they can return to, should they ever need to refresh.
To our grandson; Godspeed, and welcome home too, if need be.
Comments
It is not easy to see children leave the nest, where they have had love and training all those years. I’ve said “so long” to all 12 of mine, so I’ve had enough experience to say, “I sympathize with you.”