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This week the spiritual journey theme is Leigh Anne’s OLW Turn. And the song in my head has been “To every thing, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn. And a time for every purpose…under heaven…”
Turn is not always easy. It takes patience. Patience. Patience.
Parenting adult children is different from the school-age years. In many ways, it is easier. My girls are all successful in their chosen professions and happy with their lives. Four and a half years ago, my oldest daughter became a lawyer and got a job in a nearby town. For a while she lived at home part-time, but the last year, she has lived with us full time. We have been happy with this arrangement. She is a joy to have around. She is very independent. She helps around the house. She even chooses to spend time with us, but she does not keep us for doing what we want to do. I knew the day would come, though, when she would turn away. Or is she turning toward? She has decided to move to her own apartment.
I know this turn is good. I know our relationship will stay strong. I know this because when she graduated from high school, I walked a labyrinth in Grace Cathedral on our family vacation to San Francisco. During that walk, a voice (I believe God) said to me, “She is not leaving YOU.” She will always be my daughter. She will always be a part of me.
Turns are hard. Some come without warning. Some come after much planning and hoping. Some break your heart and let you know that turns happen.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, your words are a great comfort to me tonight. My daughter who lives in Washington, DC with her husband of 2 yrs. is thinking seriously of moving out West for a new position. I am having such a difficult time with this attempted move but you said that a move like this would be turning toward (yes, toward a new life). I do so want my adult children to be happy but not having my daughter and son-in-law close geographically is difficult now but will be more so if they do indeed move far away. I will turn towards Jesus for the way to feel great happiness for them.
It is so hard to let them go, but they must. This is what we have done for them, given them wings. Maggie is only moving to New Orleans two hours away. She is full of both hope and anxiety. What I will miss most are those little moments Tara talked about in her SOL post. You have to trust that whatever happens is for the best.
Tears! Adult children moving away, empty nests, little moments fleeting. Sigh. I am glad God is the great comforter. Yes, we want our children to be independent, but we love them so and enjoy their company. I often equate these feelings with what God must feel about us.
Sending you lots of love, Margaret. Jen
My daughter has lived in California since 2006. She recently (a month ago) moved back here. Leaving her in California after moving her into an apartment was so hard, but she was so excited about her new journey. I was so grateful that she had what she needed to spread her wings and the courage to seek her dreams. Those eight years were a phenomenal journey for her and I am so grateful that she had the opportunities she had while she was there. We want our children to have the ability to find happiness, to grow, and to find fulfillment. It is so comforting to see them do that and to be allowed to share in their journey – however many miles away the journey takes them. You will continue to share her journey and along the way there will be so many more adventures to share!
I know it is time for her to move and find her own way. I will miss the small moments that happen when you live with someone. I never thought we would have this time together. I knew it would have to end. Are you a grandmother yet? I am really looking forward to that day.
Such an honest portrayal of a difficult time…”turns are hard.” You’ve had the gift of some wonderful time together. I remember spending two years with my mom as a young adult after my father’s death. And then she lovingly sent me away when I got married even though I know she missed me tremendously. So glad we had that time together!
Time that we can spend with our children is a blessing. I struggle with my daughter living all the way in the UK, but at the same time I am SO thankful for technology that enables us to keep in touch! Turning to Jesus has definitely made me look at life differently. I enjoyed the image of roots and wings. I hope that I gave my daughter deep and strong roots to survive and fly with her wings! I am sure you have done the same for your children!
I am on the brink of where you are in parenting, but this was a big part of why I chose this word. I know I have many turns coming my way this year and I know that turning toward Him is what will get me through them. Thank you for sharing my word this week.