The wind was whipping around us as we were spinning and twirling through the yard.
Arms spread out, we laughed as dizziness set in before we tumbled into the lawn chair together.
She wrapped her little arms around my neck, snuggled in tight and said,
“Don’t let me blow away mommy!”
It was one of those moments in life where you wish you could stop time. You long for a way to bottle it up so you won’t ever forget how soft her skin feels against yours. How her little fingers played with your hair as we sat quietly together.
And my heart began to ache.
Ached because I knew that this moment would be over all too quickly.
Ached because I knew that soon she would not fit so perfectly in my lap.
Ached because I knew that the winds of life would toss and turn her and that I wouldn’t always be there to block their force as they tried to “blow her away”.
But, there are no magic bottles for collecting moments.
No spells to be conjured up in an attempt to stop time. Just as a strong wind pulls and tugs at a boat tied to the dock, this world will try to pull her away from the security of being tied to our “dock”.
And even the strongest of docks have been known to be pulverized by gale force winds and boats tossed and turned like plastic toys in a bathtub. So I pray for wisdom, protection, guidance.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6
What if instead of being tied to the dock, her boat was tied to a rock.
THE rock.
The only One that can withstand those hurricanes of life.
Immovable.
Unshakeable.
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:2-3
Because, no matter how much I want to believe that she will find enough security tied to the dock that is our family, I know that there are some things I cannot protect her from.
Things that we can’t predict and are beyond our control.
So, we too tie our rope to the Rock, trusting that He will take care of her.
Protect her.
Strengthen her.
Guide her.
And as we sit in that chair together on that warm summer day, she has no idea of the thoughts running through my head.
She just innocently waits for my reply.
So, I tell her the only thing she needs to hear right in that moment.
“I won’t let you blow away sweetie!”
Vanessa, I’m blown away by your post today. It’s profound, simply beautiful and one that is just so heartwarming, I have tears in my eyes. Thank you for shaing such a lovely post. Have a wonderful day.
Nancy
Love!!!!!!
I so loved what you wrote and it is TRUTH! He will be her shelter in a storm!
Achingly beautiful, Vanessa.
Thank you for this post and your always-inspiring blog.
Vanessa,
That was a lovely post, and oh so true……….but she has a wise Mommy who can direct her to
the rock that can hold her fast…………
Oh how they grow up so fast, and so much is out of our reach and control, but they will always need their Mom and many times we can help them when the winds of change and time
are blowing………but it is awesome to know there is a God who loves them far more than we
do (which is hard for us to believe sometimes) that can take care of every need they have,
it is just our job to point them constantly in HIS direction……….and I am sure you are
already doing that……… You are a smart Cookie!
Blessings, Nellie
As I was worshipping with my teenagers this morning (their dad was playing in the worship band) I just prayed and prayed that no matter what happens to me, or to their dad, that they will remember the source of their true strength. It’s so hard for them, battling attaching because of fear, and then realizing that you can’t hold on to anything forever. I pray the words I’ve written in my blog will be there for them when I am not, and that God will give them godly friends and adults who love them with God’s passion. It is SO hard to “let” them grow up when it’s really out of our hands! Capturing these moments with words will continue to build a legacy for your children. You are a blessing!
A beautiful post. I’m going to give you one more to add to your list of prayers. I prayed this everyday while my daughters were growing up. “Lord, let them leaders, not followers.” Both my girls are grown, college educated, working and enjoying life. I am so grateful that He answered my prayers.
How perfect for me to read these words today. My son graduated from high school last night, and just this morning, I blogged about him leaving today and going to another state to work at a summer camp until he goes away to college in the fall. Gone. Completely gone.
It’s been a rough day, but one thing that makes it easier is that for all these past 18 years, I didn’t miss a moment like the one you had. I never took time with him for granted and I cherished the special moments playing in the wind.
Excellent and timely post, and a fabulous verse to go with my day!
Thanks.
Oh Leslie! It makes me cry even thinking about my kiddos leaving home. But you poured yourself into him and prepared him well! At least we know that we moms are in this together and can support each other through these seasons, right? Thank you so much for coming by! 🙂