But when I saw my sweet son in his little hat and gown, walking across that stage and shaking the school director's hand, I have to confess I got into it just a little bit.
As I sat there in that moment, I thought ahead to the future. If we end up homeschooling all the way through high school, Cole won't participate in a traditional graduation ceremony again until he works his way through college. That's a long time from now. And yet, I am keenly aware that if in fact the day comes that he does graduate from College, this moment, this moment I am in right now watching my little 4 year old boy holding his "rolled up piece of paper" as he calls it, will feel like yesterday. In a blink of an eye my little boy will be a man, all grown up and ready to face the world. My primary opportunity to influence him, to shape and mold him, to teach him and train him will be over.
How I pray that I will be a good steward of these short years while he is in my care. How I pray that Cole's heart will be turned toward the Lord; that he would learn to love others and serve God with all his heart. That he would trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and serve Him faithfully all his days. And not only for Cole, but for all three of my sons the Lord has entrusted into our care.
It is a massive responsibility, but I am not alone. How thankful I am for a God-fearing husband with whom to partner. And how blessed we are to have parents and grandparents who love the Lord, who pray for us and our children that the legacy of faith would be passed down from generation to generation. And most importantly, we have the Lord, "who is able to keep us from stumbling, and to make us stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy" (Jude 1:24).
Now "to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever" (Jude 1:25).
