As my kids have gotten older, some mornings I feel like the front door needs to be a revolving door. This one has to leave for work at 6:15; this one leaves for school at 6:30; this one is out the door for school by 8:00. And although I'm not the one heading out physically, I'm still exhausted by the time the last one leaves.
I remember when my oldest left for his first job. I got a quick side hug, and he was out the back door into the world, leaving his mama behind, maybe with a tear or two in my eyes. Alot of early morning rushes and several years have gone by since my first kid headed out. But one thing has not changed, and that's the prayer that I breathe out as they rush out the door. Most of the time, I make sure I'm up no matter what time they are leaving. I need to see my child and make sure all is well before they leave home for the day. I try to refrain from hovering, but I will ask the Mama questions like "Do you have your computer?", "Got your phone?" or statements like "You need to take some breakfast with you" or "It's cold, you need a coat." And my girls know they get a quick kiss on the forehead as they go out the door (even though at least one has to bend down so I can reach her). Then they are running out the door. I shut the door behind them, then I step over to the front window, where I can see as they pull out of the driveway and out onto the road. And I'm praying. The words may vary a little but it's usually something like, "God, please put Your Hand on my child. Keep their travels safe. Give them courage and wisdom for their day and bring them back to me safely." And I stand at the window until I see them heading down the road.
As my youngest girl left this morning at 6:30 for work, I stood there a minute longer than usual as the thought came that I wouldn't have too many more years of sending my kids out the door. I will never stop praying that they will come back to me, back through that door at the end of the day. And when the day comes that all my kids are going in and out their own doors, they can be sure that their Mama is praying even then, and always will.
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