Agree to Disagree and Let Go!

As parents our responsibility is to raise our children to be caring, loving, strong and self-sufficient adults. That is the purpose. We pray, seek guidance from our Bible, pastors, physicians and teachers, to ensure we’re doing the best for their entire well-being. Then the day comes when we must let go. This is the day we’ve prepared for, but also the day we fear most.

How can we protect them if they are not in our view? Oh, I struggle with these moments still. My children are 22, 19 and 8. They are all residents of our home, however, they are adult children. They have jobs and vehicles.

Only yesterday I had another life-course in letting go. My 19-year old purchased a new car in mid-January. My husband and I decided he could drive locally, but we did not want him driving to Raleigh until he had at least three months of driving under his belt. My son honored the request a couple times. Yesterday, he challenged me. He constantly argued that he had driven safety and he wanted me to trust him. I tried explaining this was not a matter of trust, this was a matter of protection. I persisted, telling him he was not ready.

My son equally persisted. Finally, I let go. Unfortunately, my children have always challenged us, asked a reason why before obeying. I honestly don’t know where they get this quality from. Of course, in a heartbeat, my husband would say, YOU! They get that from YOU!

Anyway, after letting go of battling with my son, I spoke to my husband. I asked, “Are you ok with this?” He said, “Yes. We have to allow him to do this.” 

OK, I’m still not sure about that. Did I have to allow him? Yes, I have rode in the car with my son. He handles his new car well, but still I believed he needed more time — more experience. 

This morning I’m thankful to report Chris made it home safe and sound, and before curfew, I might add. Smiling big, the first thing he said when he returned was, “See Mom, you doubted me.” I replied, “No, this was not about trust, this was about my protection.”

I guess I will always offer words of guidance and protection to our children. That will never cease.  God never stops speaking to us through His word, or within our hearts. He warns us. His job as our heavenly Father is to protect us. 

There comes a point when God will let us go. There are times we may make the wrong decision. In His grace and mercy, He provides protection. That’s what I had to seek in order to find peace while Chris drove yesterday. I prayed, we had dinner, and my 8-year old and I watched The Flash on Netflix.

Yesterday, I learned sometimes the only and best protection I can provide for my children is prayer. God will handle all the rest. Thank you Father.

How about you? Can you share a parenting moment when you had to agree to disagree and let go?

Until We Meet Again,

Brook Lynn

Brook Lynn Dorcent
Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW
Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers
Missing the Mark (Novel One)
Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)
Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)
Above All (Novel Four)
His Wedding Vow (A Novel) Coming 2016
Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Memoir/Teen Guide)
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