Hearts Are Still Tender

I miss hearing his praise and worship music playing in his room.


I miss saying, "I love you," as he walked out the door.


I miss dishing him up a big plate of supper.


I miss hearing his motorcycle pull into the garage or his Jeep into the driveway.


I miss his laughter.


I miss his ready smile.


I miss those long conversations where we would talk about the Big Things in Life.


I miss the wrestling matches breaking out.


I miss the sheepish grin followed by, "Could you iron my shirt?"


I miss him asking if he could show me a new worship song he had found on iTunes.


I miss the sound of him coming down the hall from his room.


I miss him telling me about another answered prayer.


I miss sitting beside him.


I miss his hugs.


I miss seeing the faces of his siblings lighting up when he came home.


I miss him taking them on errands with him, seeing their smiles.


I miss him calling for his dog.


I miss him encouraging his younger brothers and sisters to honor us.


I miss hearing him play his guitar, his mandolin, his keyboard, even his drums.


I miss doing things for him and seeing him smile.


I miss him coming to show me a special passage in a book he's reading.


I miss him coming to tell me about another book he wants to add to his library. 


But then I think about what this new season is all about, for him and for us. 


He believes he is in training for the Vision God has placed in his heart. The equipping that will take place, because of His Faithfulness, over the next three years fills my heart with such anticipation! My role has changed in his life to one more defined by prayer support. I keep praying the Lord will keep Caleb's focus on the Vision; that he won't be distracted or diluted during this season. In fact, I pray that the Lord will bring that Vision into a clearer and clearer focus. 


Meanwhile, the chemistry of our home life has taken on a new flavor. And it is Glorious! We are able to spend more time with the ones still here (5). There is a hint of excitement in the air around here because each of the five remaining ones are entering such new territory in their lives. 


Mackenzy is in her senior year of college, graduating in May. She is exploring all kinds of ideas for ministry through creative business ideas. Doors are opening for her, ideas are overflowing her brain, new contacts are appearing that are excited to hear what she's thinking, and then they are giving her more ideas. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Her passion is inspiring. What will it all look like? How will the Lord use her giftings and talents to accomplish the Vision He is giving her?


We are entering a new season in the Body Life with the four youngest as we step into a type of mentoring role with the youth where we worship. We've "stepped things up a notch" in our homeschooling as they become ready for more challenges. They are learning to walk out their Faith in new ways. They are learning new skills and to stretch themselves in new areas of learning outside all the book work. We are finding more time for family read alouds and the kids love to have Dad sitting in on a great story with them. 


The Lord knows best. He has Faithfully brought us to this point and prepared us for this transition. It's all Good. And even though it costs our hearts so much to let another one leave the nest, He more than makes up for it with the Fruit He bears in our family through the healthy growth of our children. 


And so it's time for another Link Up. This is your chance to testify to His Faithfulness. I LOVE reading your stories!!!! If you link up every week, thank you! If you've never jumped in, come on. The water's fine! :)  How has He shown Himself Faithful to you or your family? Is there an old favorite family story? Or did something happen today to remind you of it? You can link up anything you have, old or new, that testifies to the Faithfulness of our God. Grab the button from the right sidebar and add it to your post if you want to invite others to join us.