Dear Mom of a High School Graduate,

I have been thinking about you. I have been praying for all the mothers that sent their children off to college recently. Last year, when I received an encouraging note from a sweet friend the week my son graduated it made me think of other mothers like me, who may be facing the first child graduating (or even the last). I wondered how other moms have dealt with this and what their thoughts have been or are now. So, the more I thought about it the more I felt prompted from the Lord to write you a note of encouragement. There are many emotions that could present themselves to you this month or in the upcoming months so my desire is to be a voice of encouragement while you walk through this stage of life. I am certainly no expert in this matter, but I do know what it felt like last year at this time and what it will feel like again as I face it a year from now with my second son. Some prayerful suggestions to consider:

Have the right perspective—you want your children to grow up to become healthy spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. How you react to changes could impact their health in these areas.
Trust God with what you have done to impart His Word into their lives and rest in your efforts.
Be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10
Pray for them daily to grow to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Mark 12:30
Be excited—think about your fun college experiences! If you made mistakes it doesn’t mean they will as well. Rejoice that the Lord has brought your child to this point in life and that your child has the opportunity to further their education.
Make a special scrapbook or journal—if you didn’t get this done before they graduated then do it now as a Christmas gift this year!
Tell them you love them—every chance you get via the phone, text or email!
Don’t live in the past—this is the day the Lord has made; rejoice and be glad in it! The Proverbs 31 woman smiles at the future because she has security in His plans.
Keep in touch—call them at least once a week just to keep the lines of communication open. Make a phone appointment if necessary.
Bless them each week—think of one thing you can do at least once a week to bless them. A note, a special delivery via the mail or a Scripture that you send them. I sent two subscriptions to Ignite Your Faith; one to my son and another to an ‘adopted’ daughter each August.

We serve a Sovereign God who has a perfect plan for our children. There is nothing that surprises Him though it may surprise us! And guess what? The same God that blessed you with that child by creating him or her loves that child more than you do! I know that is so hard for us to imagine, but it is true. So, who better to give these emotions such as fear and anxiousness to, than to Him?!

How have you dealt with your child moving to that next stage of life? Share with others so we can all learn from one another!

I am praying for you,
Lori Merrill