Trip to Stillwater

Two days ago we brought Abby to Stillwater to see Kyle for his fall break at OSU as well as their 6mo dating anniversary, which is today! It's been a nice relaxing time with my husband. Not a lot to do, but it's been kind of nice having no schedule. We've just been hanging out in the hotel, eating out, taking sunset walks at Boomer Lake, walking on campus and the local botanical garden, browsing on our computers, swimming, reading and a having a few meals with Ab and Kyle. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous! I've had a lot of time for thinking about life and how quickly things change. Knowing we don't have too many more years with Abby at home. Trying to figure out the balance of wanting to be involved in her life so she knows that her parents care, but wanting to give her the space, freedom and chance to grow and make decisions based on her own convictions. I pray for wisdom and for grace to go through our 3rd and final emptying of our nest in just a few short years!! I realize that empty nesting is not just about the day they actually move out but a process through their entire childhood, accelerating near the end, as they grow more and more independent. It's really the goal of parenting, to raise kids to adulthood able make decisions based on letting God lead them in their decisions. As much as I get nostalgic & melancholy about it all -- it's exciting watching the changes and seeing your kids making choices based on their own relationship with God. At times I feel so inadequate as a parent and it's actually such a relief to me to admit my inadequacy and trust in a loving God. My father knows by far what is better for His children! Feeling very blessed by the 3 kids he entrusted to us and looking forward to what the future will bring.