Roots and Wings

Part of my heart flew away this morning.

Before dawn, my husband and I said goodbye to our daughter, Elizabeth, in a very un-private corner of the airport. She asked us not to wait as she went through the security check. So, we didn't...at least not where she could see us. She needed to finally get past the goodbyes; they are always so hard. So we said our goodbyes and now she is on her way to teach in Russia for nearly a year.

On the way home from the airport, we listened to a CD that Elizabeth had compiled for us which she named "Parenty Songs." As tears poured down our faces, we listened to the songs she had chosen to leave with us. Songs that spoke of following God's calling; setting out on a new path; saying goodbye to the familiar. Songs that broke my already fragmented heart.

But songs that also comforted me because they confirmed what I already knew - she is a young woman whose roots go deep into family, friends and her God. She is exactly what I have always prayed she would become - brave, selfless, caring and funny as all get out. But most importantly, she is becoming who God is calling her to be... His hands and heart to this broken and hurting world.

When my children were small, I came across the familiar saying that says, as parents, our job is to give our children roots and wings. I used to stress about the roots. Was I doing it right? Would they grow up okay? Gratefully, both my son and daughter are doing way better than just okay!

But as they grew older, I began to realize that the more difficult task for me still lay ahead...the wings part. Could I let them go to pursue their own lives, their own dreams without holding them back? Could I even encourage them to step out and take the risks?

I admit that it isn't easy for me. At some point, a parent's dreams may collide with their children's dreams. I am grateful that God is giving me grace to step back and watch my children's dreams blossom and thrive.

So this morning, as I hugged Elizabeth for that last time, and watched her walk away, I swear it wasn't a backpack that I saw on her back, but a beautiful pair of wings.