Tomorrow we’re driving 8 hours to move our daughter into her new dorm. So far it’s been a 2-day ordeal – and we haven’t even left yet. What we do for our kids!
My friend was right where she wanted to be, spending her final vacation days helping her daughter prepare to move. This is my fifth trip to Target, and the washing machine hasn’t stopped running for days. She described how her daughter’s things sprawl into 3 rooms of the house, and she’s staying up way past her bed time because she knows she only has 2 more nights to hug her girl goodnight.
I laughed out loud. At that very moment, Terrell and I were on our own 10-hour adventure sporting a loaded cargo van to deliver to our son the items he couldn’t transport in his car when he moved to Mississippi. Seizing the opportunity to see him and glimpse his new life, we actually volunteered.
Funny thing is, we know several other parents who recently loaded and drove U-Hauls a full-day’s journey for the same reason.
The things we do for our kids.
At the other end of the spectrum, a mom gives in to her young child’s yearning to go to camp. The other moms relax as they drive away, but she leaves hoping and praying that her child’s special health needs won’t isolate her child.
The things we do for our kids.
We stand with them—when they’re sick, lonely, nervous, stressed out, treated unfairly, attempting something new…
We stand by them—when they’re wrong, disobedient, disrespectful—and we forgive.
The things we do for our kids.
We do— from a love first given to us by God. And so, we love them deeply.
We struggle to speak how deeply, so we live it. We live our love. . . And we love till we’re exhausted. . . But by God’s grace, never exhausting the love.
What a privilege to be so loved and to then have opportunity to share His love.
offthebeatenpathministries says
Teresa, remember me from She Speaks? So glad I looked you up today! Just what I needed to read. A celebration of the life I’ve lived for the past 3 weeks, first moving my son to Seattle and then, just this past Monday (and Tuesday and tomorrow!) moving my daughter back to college. This is our life…and we love it…even thought it exhausts us!
So good to see your smiling face today on the pages of your blog. Hope all is going well with you, your calling, and your journey! Blessings!
Teresa says
Hi Kay!
It’s so good to hear from you! Of course, I remember. I’d love to catch up some time this fall to see how you are… We moved our daughter back to school earlier this week, too!
Blessings to you.
Jann Pierce says
Just wait until you get grandchildren! It is wonderful. I love babysitting. I try to always be available because I know how fast they grow up! Love, Jann
Teresa says
Hi Jan!
I bet it’s fun! Can’t wait 🙂
Amy Srrong says
Thanks Teresa. I shed a couple of tears today as I anticipate dropping Hannah off for year 2. It is definitely easier but still not easy.
Teresa says
Hi Amy,
I know what you mean! It never got easier for me – but that’s a good thing. We love our kids and will miss them!
Shandra says
So good! Similar happenings here . Privilege , indeed. Shandra
Teresa says
Hi Shandra,
Oh great! Have fun:) And thanks so much for reading and sharing.