Preparing to Say Good-bye

They grow up so fast...

How many times do we hear this as moms and blow it off? I have preschool tantrums, school-age drama, and teenage rebellion. Let me tell you, it has not felt like it has gone fast.

Yet, I am preparing to say good-bye to my first born son. My sweet boy with the mop of curly black hair.

The boy who made me a mother.

In just about six weeks, my son will pledge to the United States Army that he will serve them.

He will leave.

And all I can think of lately is, "How will I say good-bye?"

I have already seen glimpses of how God may use him while he is gone. Ruben has a love for Jesus that is so apparent and real. I want God to use him in big ways.

But...a piece of me will go with him.

This is the most difficult part of being a mother.

The letting go. 

Philippians 4:13 tells me, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Lord, I need your strength...