God's Little Reminders

It's been a week since we dropped our middle son off at James Madison University and I'm coping well. High five, girls! I only cried when we left him and since then I've certainly missed having him around, but the pervading emotion is excitement for the steps he's making and the wonder of how God will show up in Aaron's life.

I had to wait in my car for a bit today and picked up a devotional I leave there for just such a time. It is entitled Jesus Calling and was given to me by a dear friend. For grins, I flipped to August 23rd, the day we took Aaron to school. Why I am continually surprised by the Lord I do not know, but every time He has something for me! Here it is, verbatim.....

Entrust your loved ones to ME; release them into MY protective care. They are much safer with ME than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one- as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.

When you release loved ones to ME, you are free to cling to MY hand. As you entrust others into MY care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in ME. Watch to see what I will do.

God couldn't have made it any plainer. Tears of gratitude filled my eyes as I read the words and knew them to be so true, and I will wait eagerly to see what the Lord will do.