Parenting--at age 20

I heard my mom and dad once say that you never stop being a parent. While I now know what they mean, I sure hope I'm not turning into them!

Our oldest, Hannah, just turned 20. She is doing well in college, old enough to vote, and responsible enough to make her own decisions. Though Gretchen hates it when I say it, Hannah is a woman, no longer a little girl.

And yet, when we put her on the airplane this past weekend to send her off to L.A. to work in a Physical Therapy Clinic for the summer, those parenting instincts kicked in. Do you have a jacket? Do you have enough money? How will you get around? Don't talk to strangers. Call us when you get there. Pack some cold medicine.

For the most part, she patiently accepted our neurotic parenting without once reminding us that if the US Government considers her mature enough to choose a President, we should trust her enough to pack her own toothbrush.

You never stop being a parent.

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he invited them to call God "Our Father." It dramatically changed the way they understood their relationship with God as one who looks over, protects, love and worries about his children, no matter their ages. And when they wander far from home and lose their way, like a parent, God will not rest until they are safely home.

Hannah will do well in LA. It is a great opportunity and a unique adventure. And while we encouraged this summer job and helped set it up for her, there will always be just a twinge of anxiety until she is back home.

Always a Parent, Always a Gift,
Pastor Scott