Change is exciting and scary. There is the excitement of new experiences, watching dreams come true, and challenging the self to be more than one thought possible. There is this strange tug of war that begins to happen in the heart. I want to encourage them to fly, to  let them grow, but in my heart there are pangs of not being needed anymore. Fear sets in that they will be hurt or bad decisions will be made. 

Just as there are times of excitement, there are bumps that cause pain, hurt. I work hard to prevent my loves from experiencing pain, and suffering. The problem is I am guaranteed to fail. With life comes joy and sorrow. They are going to get hurt and I can’t stop it, and if I pause to think about it, some of my greatest moments of growth have come through failure, pain and sorrow. As much as wouldn’t trade my moments of growth, I still don’t want to let them get hurt.  

How does God do it? How does he let us grow knowing there will be pain and sorrow? I know. He’s all knowing. So how does a human heart let them grow because so often mine can’t take it.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil! (Proverbs 3:5-8 MSG)

Trust. Trust is always the answer. Trusting God with my fears and my loves is the only way through the growing pains. I still want to fix everything and not have any conflict. I continually remind myself that God is in control. I need to listen carefully for His voice and He will keep me on track, my loves too. I know He can fix the hurts, and bad choices. He has fixed so many of mine. I have to trust that He will do that for those I love, as well. It doesn’t come naturally to me. I’d rather be in control, but there is comfort in knowing the One is really in control. 

How are you at letting them grow? Are you able to trust them in God’s hands? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.