“Start your children off on the way they should go. And even when they are old they will not turn from it.”  Proverbs 22:6

“Just be home by dark” was a common phrase repeated multiple times by my mom as I was growing up.  She may not have known exactly where we were, who we were with, or what we were doing but she almost always trusted we would be safe. As kids growing up in small town America, we never really thought about who was watching out for us and keeping us safe as it was just assumed everyone was. Looking back now, and as a mother myself, I can see how simple and uncomplicated things seemed to be back then. To say that raising kids today is a bit more complicated is an understatement. 

So as a parent of 21^st century children and in an effort to try and keep them safe, I turned to a 21^st century remedy -- cell phones and a convenient little app called Life360!  For less than $10 a month you can follow where your kids are at any time of the day or night. Sounds great doesn’t it!  Now I could be assured they were safe and anytime their path veered off the schedule, I could give them a call to confirm all was well. But I knew this level of ‘monitoring’ couldn’t last forever and I would eventually have to cut them loose. 

That day came this past August 2019 when my oldest went off to college. It was time to cut the apron strings and yes, turn off the Life360 app on her phone. I don’t know what made me more nervous, her going off to college or turning the app off on her phone?  My faith was about to be tested! Had I done enough to show her the love of Jesus?  Had I shown her a strong enough example of living a life for Christ?   Would she make the right choices?  Would she remember she is a child of our heavenly father?  Would her faith give her the strength and courage she needed to face this new chapter in her life?  Although I have always taught my children to trust in the Lord, it was my turn to walk the walk. With all these questions, though, it started to become clear.  I may have turned off my Life360 app but God never does and never will.  He will be there for them even when I am not!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing me with my two beautiful children. Your love has guided me through the journey of motherhood and your light has given me the hope for my children’s future.  May I always remember the path you have set for me and that perhaps I should just step back and relax - - you’ve got this!