In & Out!

Last weekend was a bit of a whirlwind for Kim and me (that’s why I missed writing these Pastor’s Devotions last week).  After Jonathan’s and Nathaniel’s graduations and Joanna’s return from her study abroad in Vienna, Austria, for about twenty-four hours, from last Saturday afternoon into Sunday afternoon, we had all three of our children as well as Jonathan’s wife, Danielle, Nathaniel’s girlfriend, Kylie, and Joanna’s boyfriend, Dan together in the house.  We all went out to dinner to celebrate on Saturday night. Everyone was in church together on Sunday morning. And, we had dinner together on Sunday afternoon.  Not long after we ate, however, Jonathan and his wife got on the road to get home, Nathaniel left to drive Kylie home, and Joanna and Dan went out for a bit.  Before we knew it, Kim and I were once again left in the house alone. Eventually, we decided to go take a walk on the boardwalk. And, as we did we asked ourselves, what had just happened?  As quickly as everyone was back together they were now all gone!

Of course this is the way it is these days for us as a family.  Now that our “kids” are young adults they are in the process of developing their own lives, their own relationships, their own schedules, etc.  Much of their lives are lived outside of their relationship with us as their parents. Friends, school, work, and all the other things that take place in their lives outside of our home pull them in different directions.  The result is, at this stage they are for the most part, in and out of the home. 

So what are we as parents to do as we adjust to this stage in life? It’s surely a difficult time for us as parents. It can be hard as watch them come in and then go out.  We want to keep them close, but we also know they need to continue to move towards independence, develop their own lives, learn to make their own decisions, and even face the consequences of those decisions. 

King Solomon, the writer of much of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes seemed to have it right as he continued to speak into the life of his young adult son. He seemed to know that he could not live his son’s life for him, but neither did he stop speaking words of counsel to him.  So today, to my young adult children and to all the young adults out there, many for whom I feel like a spiritual dad, I want to leave you today with a few of Solomon’s words, hoping you receive them from me as both a dad and as a pastor who loves you and cares much about your life and your future:

Proverbs 1:8-9 - Listen, my son (and daughter), to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

Proverbs 3:1-6 - My son (and daughter), do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Ecclesiastes 11:9 - You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

It’s ok that you’re in and out. We understand. Just continue to move forward with Christ!

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris