On Being Brave...

Just one more sleep now...
And then, we're off! And I am going to go with my eyes wide open. 

I will be brave... and I will hold on to the promise found in these words from Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

I am going to go with my eyes wide open... because broken is the most blessed you can be!

But before I could wrap my mind around going...

... we had one BIG occasion to celebrate first. Last night, my baby boy graduated from Grade 8! 

How is it that time always flows like a relentless river? How is it that my cute little baby boy has, seemingly in just a blink of an eye, grown into a handsome young man, almost surpassing me in height already?

I am deeply grateful for God's beautiful work in his life... for growing him into a man after God's own heart, as has been my prayer for him since the day he was born! Truly, only by God's grace alone! To Him alone be all the glory!

Speaking of being brave... being a mama takes much braveness. As I danced with my boy right after the graduation ceremony, the years of being his mama flashed before my eyes. Oh, how time flies!

And the years still ahead also flashed before my eyes. I relished in the fact that this mama's work isn't done yet! In more ways than one, it is just beginning.

I am truly thankful... because this son of mine has made me mother with braveness. Because of him I have not only become a better mama, I've become that better version of myself!

It was a great day celebrating our baby boy, our Jonathan, our gift from God... as is the meaning of his name. He truly is a gift from God... he has brought great joy to his dad and me and to his big sister!

This message from us, was read to him as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma:

Dearest Jon: We are very proud of the young man you have grown up to be, one who is not only smart, but more importantly kind-hearted & compassionate.

God has especially gifted you with an intelligent & creative mind. Each day we are amazed that you have, yet again, a new personal best Rubik’s Cube solve time.

May you continue to use God’s gifts for purposes that are bigger than yourself. Keep chasing after God’s heart. We love you! ~ Dad, Mom & big sister, Alyssa.

"A mother holds her child's hand for just a short time, but holds their heart for a lifetime." ~ Unknown.

Today was his last day of school...

... as we leave for our trip tomorrow. I went to meet him at the end of the school day to walk home with him this one last time.

As we walked home, it dawned on me that as he starts high school in the Fall, there will be lesser and lesser times for me to "hold his hand".

This will require even more mama-braveness... because letting go is not easy.

But this I do know... if this boy of mine continuously strives to chase after God's heart, he will be truly great. Not great as the world defines greatness, but great in terms of Kingdom greatness. 

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. ~ C.S. Lewis.

As I continue on this journey of motherhood... 

I will remember to continue to aim at heaven. And to be brave... even though braveness is outside my comfort zone.

Because... 

There are those who say that this is ordinary. Don't buy that for a second. Mighty, you are mighty. Because you mother. ~ Lisa-Jo Baker.

And, as we embark on this trip starting tomorrow...

I will remember to keep my eyes wide open. And to be brave... even though braveness is outside my comfort zone.

Because... 

Our yes to God should scare us.

Not to keep us immobile, but to keep us dependent on the One who asks us to say it in the first place.

Fear keeps us moving towards God.

Yes, there is fear in obedience. But peace keeps us on the journey.

And the joy that follows our yes to God is wild.

~ From this must-read blog post by Kristen Welch.

Compassion is a command, an act of worship, a song of thanks to Him.

Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God!