I began this blog in 2007, and published the post below – my very first – on almost exactly this date that year. Because all social media is being flooded with graduation pictures and the mixed-emotion-laden posts of the new empty nesters, I pulled this one out of the archives just for them. Who knows, maybe it will apply to you, too.

Oh that there had been “the blog” when my kids were growing up. I could’ve regaled you with stories of their antics, their funny sayings, their “firsts”. But, as it happens, I’m writing the first entry to my blog poised on the edge of my almost-empty nest. I guess I will be writing, now, of new kinds of “firsts” for my girls; a new kind of “first” for me.

Emmie graduates in two weeks, and like every other parent before me, I’m filled with bitter-sweet emotion that comes with thoughts of the little girl grown. I’m able to remember the smell of her hair, the crooked turn of her giant permanent tooth next to her tiny baby tooth, the heft of her little toddler body. Oh, but it’s tempting to go back in time – stop time, even – and keep them there in that place where you were their everything. But to what end? To keep them a perpetual baby, needy and unable to function on their own?

There is a natural progression of life for a reason.

Don’t you love how God doesn’t live in the past? He knows everything about our past, certainly, but he doesn’t hold us there. He’s ever walking ahead of us, encouraging us to step forward and keep moving ahead, making the way clear and showing us the great work He has for us to do. He’s always there, giving us strength right when we need it and expecting us to reach and climb and grow.

So, poised as I am on the edge of this nest, I get ready to send another young bird on her first solo flight; trusting her Greater Parent to be where I can’t and lead her to her own great work.

I’ll also trust Him to do the same with me.

“Point your kids in the right direction—
    when they’re old they won’t be lost.” Proverbs 22:6 MSG

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV