Strength I Didn't Know I Had

(Sendoff party--my children)

I am just a couple of days from sending my son off to basic training.  Monday night he will be staying at a hotel not too far from home.  Then Tuesday morning he will be sworn in and on his way to the Air Force base in Lackland, Texas.

To my surprise, I have been handling the past few days much better than I would have thought.  I think it’s a combination of things.  I had some distractions come my way with one of my other children and I have been kept busy helping out all week at a Music & Drama Camp at my church.

Busyness and distractions are one way to get your mind off things.  But so is strength, which is something I have been feeling lately.

It’s a strength I don’t think I realized I had.  Of course, I believe that is a result of my faith and the prayers of others.

There have been a number of things I have managed to do without losing it.  For instance, my son was talking the other night about how as of Monday he will “officially” be an adult because he will have to make all of his decisions without my help or input. 

He was also thinking about the little time we have left together because of things going on this weekend.  So even though I was busy Friday at church, he wanted to come with me. 

Some of the time he spent hanging out with a friend but most of it he was just by my side.  I could tell he was trying to get in his “mom” time.

Then we went to Walmart and walked the aisles, with me telling him to get whatever he wants because it may be a long time before he enjoys his favorite cereal, cookies or whatever else it was.  He picked out a few things.

We ended last night with a get together at my dad and stepmom’s house.  My father served in the Air Force, so this is an especially proud moment for him.  I managed to hold it together, despite knowing what the occasion was about…seeing him off.

And this morning I was going through his final packing list and figuring out what still needs to be done.  To my surprise, I didn’t cry. 

Maybe the tears are being saved for later…all I know is that I feel like I need to be strong right now for him.  I don’t want to make him feel bad about leaving, especially with the nerves starting to hit him.

Isaiah 41:10 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.