This side of 50: No Greater Joy ....

There is no greater joy than to know my children walk in the truth ~ John 3

Raising adult children is an adventure. Of course, I expected these treasures to grow up one day, and I looked forward to sharing that season together with each child. But, I didn't expect a roller coaster ride. Speeding at one moment on an exhilarating high only to plummet unexpectedly into a sharp curve, nearly throwing up along the way. It's a very emotional and dramatic journey. I don't like roller coasters.

Entering their 20s, each child has been uniquely challenged in their world view and values. How does a mother comfort when a band aid and a kiss are no longer the cure? How does she give support when she questions the value of a decision, knowing that her baby is heading toward destruction at any moment? At the same time there is nothing like the joy when a daughter becomes engaged to a Godly man, when a son discovers skills that lead him to manhood, when another reaches their life goal to travel or earn a college degree. The occasional hug and "I love you, Mommy," or "No worries, Mom," bring a glimpse of hope and sigh of band-aid-relief for mom!

It was a few years ago when one of those emotional trials hit my kids. I despaired - someone was in pain and struggling. The Spirit of God took me to an unexpected portion of Scripture that reached deep into this mother's soul - Jeremiah 31. The section was titled, "The Lord Will Turn Mourning to Joy." It took me some time to listen to the words - "I have loved you with an everlasting love...I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow..." then I came to "Rachel is weeping for her children and will not be comforted..." The deep well of sorrow ruptured from within. God revealed in those brief words that He understood the depths of my grief.

A death had occurred. Oh, not a physical death, but the death that must take place in order for new life to take root, to crack the soil and erupt into a new life. My dear one had to come to the end in order to see the beginning - of new things to come.

Eyes blurred with tears, struggling to focus - God assured me, "Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears....they shall come back....their is hope for your future." A remarkable promise from an ancient story. Yet, there it was and peace engulfed me as I trusted God and His Word for the future of each of my kids.

"At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me." (Jer. 31:26)

In the days, months and even years following this moment, I could rest assured He continues to abide with my children. It's often the littlest things: something they did, a person they encounter - somehow they experience His presence. He is there, blessing and walking alongside my adult children in ways I cannot.

I continue to praise God from whom all blessings flow. I am in awe of how He must feel when we, too, turn our eyes towards heaven and hear and respond to his voice.