Moving into the Freshman dorm was like I’d “arrived.” I was an independent adult, ready to take on (and conquer) the world. It’s shameful to admit, but I couldn’t wait for my parents to leave so I could begin this new life. That lasted about a week–well, not quite that long.
Within a few days, I found a high school classmate who would give me a ride home the first weekend…and the second, third, fourth…
Me, a person who couldn’t wait to get to the “big city,” (Cincinnati is huge compared to my hometown), suffered from a severe case of homesickness. One weekend my dad offered to take me back to school so I could stay home a little longer. When he was ready to go, I started crying. I didn’t want to go back. The truth was obvious, I wasn’t ready to leave the love, safety, and comfort of home.
My parents are wonderful, loving, caring people. They’ve always been very supportive of everything I ever wanted to try or explore. My childhood was wonderful. It’s no wonder I was homesick.
There was another type of homesickness, though, that wasn’t as easily discerned. For some reason, I left my Father when struggling with independence and growing pains. This keeps coming to me, and I recently had an “aha” moment, which we’ll talk about tomorrow or Thursday.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 ESV
Please join me this week in praying for all those who will be separated from their adult children and relatives as school restarts across the country. Pray that the adults will trust in the Lord to care for their precious children. Pray for the children (young adults) to look to the Lord and make decisions that align with God’s plan for their lives. Pray that those who are saved take their light with them and share the gospel with everyone they meet. Pray that those who are not saved meet someone who leads them to Christ. Let’s also pray that the time spent traveling together is God-honoring. Pray that God gives us the words to speak to our children – words that they need to hear. Let’s pray all of these things in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
