Happy August!…or is it? As we turn the page to this new month, reality is setting in. Kate heads back to school mid-month, and Gavin heads to college at the end of the month.

So what do I do with the awareness that the time we have together with all of us at home is shifting soon?

Be present.
Be present with God.
Be present with each of them.
Be present with the truth of change.

Enjoy their presence, their laughs, their interactions with one another.

Enjoy the moments at the table, playing cards, or chilling in the family room together.

Enjoy the moments when people are coming and going, and even those moments I have alone.

May I be present, soaking up the moments and also…

Let them go.

Palms up.

Entrust them into God’s care, more than my own.

Let them be.

Watch and witness them in this time.

Let them experience this as they need to.

And allow myself to process it all as I need to.

This is a happy month, but it will have sad moments too, and that is okay.

I share this today as I know I am not the only one sending kids off to school soon. If you are too, I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

May we be present with God so He can help us be present with our loved ones. May we give thanks for what was, for what is, and for what’s to come. Letting go, and trusting God has our kids, wherever they go.

In fact, He always has.

With love and hope,
Shawn