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August 1, 2007

Yes, I know it's been a loooooooooooooong time since my last newsletter... for that I apologize.  As a famous musician once said, "Life happens while you are making other plans".

So, here's "life" getting in my face again: It seems like only yesterday my first born son was building his kingdom with Legos.  Now, in what seems like only a blink of an eye, he's gone to build his future half a country away.  When we said our goodbyes only a couple of weeks ago, I saw a young man that I barely recognize as my "baby".  At almost 6' 2" and with a full (although trim) beard, I can hardly wrap my mind around the fact that I once held his tiny frame in my arms for the first time only 22 years ago.

How do other mothers handle such changes?  How do they deal with such independence?  G-d?  Did you prepare me for this?

I sometimes wonder if G-d feels that same way when we "step out" for the first time.  He's given us life - "Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5).  He's taught us and equipped us for our future - "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).  He knows that the time will come for that child to leave home and marry - "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife" (Mark 10:7). 

The journey is bittersweet and the parting seems so final!  Yet, the L-rd reminds me that it isn't final after all.  G-d is not so cruel so as to give a child into our care only to tear that child away with no hope or reason.  Just as Yeshua promised to never leave us nor forsake us, He's shown me that my son isn't leaving me forever.  I may not see his face on a regular basis, but we can still talk by phone, or email or even that sweet Mother's Day card that brightens up my day.  I know he'll call for a favor or advice or prayer for his concerns.  I know he'll email me a joke or a goofy cartoon or picture he's found because he knows I'll "get it".  And he knows I'll do the same. 

There are so many times when G-d has shown me that He's not far away and that I too can always "call home".  It's good to know that what I'm feeling is okay and that the Father understands... He's been there too.  I am so blessed to know that my son is not embarrassed to still be my "Sweet Shmoo" and that no matter how grown up he gets, he still calls me his "Mama".

Blessings to you all,

Alicia