Wow! My son has graduated from high school. It seems like only yesterday he was toddling along behind his older sisters. Where has the time gone? Before you know it he will be off to college and I will be an empty nester. This is a day that I never truly imagined. It feels like I’ve been a mother all of my life. I’ve had children in and out of my house for 28 years, and now there will be no one at home for me to mother.
The Bible says to train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Knowing this gives me comfort because I know that I have raised my son according to the Word of God. I’ve taught my son to treat others with respect, just as he would want to be treated. Although I won’t be there, I trust him to make wise choices.
A new chapter in my life will unfold. What does this mean for me? What am I going to do?
Well, if things get too quiet at home, I can always invite the grandchildren for a sleepover.
Deborah Powell is the associate executive director of Women of the ELCA.