Following

From the moment our newborn infant is delivered into our hands, life will never be the same again. Suddenly, with only 9 months warning we are responsible for another life- not just physically, which is demanding enough, but mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Now another person is depending upon us completely for their care. This is one major step in the self-denial department! Always their needs must be considered first and foremost. But, this soon becomes a way of life, and a joy rather than a burden. When they are little, one day may sometimes seem like an eternity, but the years go by very quickly.

There is always a touch of sadness in the air come fall, when the season of growth draws to a close. One crystalline October day I found myself following a rented truck loaded with our son's few worldly possessions, as he started out to make a new home and a new life for himself. The more fragile things had been entrusted to me, like glass and memories. Riding along I realized that all those years of self-denial had brought about all kinds of transformations. While this young man was very different physically from the infant that first came to us, we, too, were just as "different" - physically (oh my, yes!), but emotionally and spiritually we also differed from those young parents who had first held him. We had all made great strides in the "growing up years." Following that truck down the road, I had lots of time to reflect on all the days that had led to this day; it was a moving experience, for I think I heard Him whisper those words we'd all like to hear, "well done, good and faithful servant." The road ahead became a blur as tears of gratitude filled my eyes. The road behind, the one we'd all been traveling for 22 years, also seemed a blur; it had gone by so quickly.

Matthew 9.9 - And Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.

Matthew 16.24 - If any would follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Philippians 2.3 - Do nothing from selfishness, but in humility count others better than yourself.

1 Peter 5.5 - Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, in humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 22.6 - Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 23.19 - O, my son, be wise and stay in God's paths.

John 8.12 - I am the Light of the World; anyone who follows me will not be walking in darkness; he will have the light of life.