When They Fly

Incrementally, I’m entering a new stage of life. The nest is beginning to empty...

This past June, our middle child graduated from high school. She did the research, pursued her dreams of running cross country for a D1 school, and secured a spot on the team. We are so proud of her hard work to not only get the dream spot she wanted, but also to get into Honors College to work toward her science degree. All of which means she is moving out.

Though we already have a child in college, our firstborn chose to go to college closer to home and commute. So, this past year, we got a taste of college life without having to say goodbye.

But this year it’s different. This year, we made a packing list, did all-the-things to make sure finances are in order, packed up the blue moving bags, cherished every “last” moment, and took the 2.5-hour trip to move our daughter into her dorm.

Now, a piece of my heart lives a couple of hours away, and I am learning a new level of prayer and trusting. I am excited to see the young woman she will become, but I’m also anxious about what the world is going to throw at her. I tried my best to be intentional with the moments leading up to move-out day and worked hard to be the supportive, steady mom when the day arrived. I put together 5 Intentional Practices for the Season of Launching that summarizes what I have done to help myself with this transition. It’s a free download that you can get by clicking below.

Maybe you have toddlers and those college years feel so far away. And maybe all of this is in the rear view mirror, and you’ve got words of wisdom for me (hit reply - I’d love to hear them!)

But for those of you in a similar boat as me: whether you have a young adult working and living at home, graduating and moving out, or one who still doesn’t know what they want but just wants to leap out of the nest regardless, we can practice these 5 intentional moments as mamas stepping into this new phase of life.

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Our prayer this week comes from Isaiah 41:10.

When we need to remember our children belong to God and they can never run to a place where His love cannot reach them.

Father,

God, thank You for the gift of raising this child.
Help me loosen my grip and strengthen my trust.
Remind me that You love them even more than I do—and You are not sending them out alone.
Uphold them with Your righteous right hand, and uphold me too.

Letting go is sacred. And just like all the seasons before this one, God goes before both you and your child—with grace for the letting go and hope for what’s ahead. As moms, we often carry the weight of “what ifs” and “will they be okay?” But here’s what settles the soul:

God loves your child more than you do.

He sees every step they’ll take and every mistake they’ll make.
And He—not you—is their ultimate provider, protector, and guide.

Your love shaped them. But His love sustains them.