Thursday, April 1, 2010

A Temporary Goodbye

I brought my five year old son to the airport today. He is spending a week and a half with his grandparents and going camping at the beach in Carpinteria. Its pretty much his favorite place on earth. I thought I was looking forward to a quiet week with just Caiden at home, but as I walked away from my smiling boy who stood there waving and waving and getting smaller and smaller and farther and farther away, I just kept thinking, "What in the world am I doing?! Why is my little boy standing so far away and I am not going toward him, but am actually walking away from him?" I wanted to run right back over there and scoop him up! I was trying to be brave for him and for Caiden, but as I got into the car and drove away, the tears welled up in my eyes.

My main job at home is to disciple him and teach him. Its like a never-ending commission. School never lets out. He's learning so much and we work so hard, its a shame to have him leave. "School is still in session!" I want to exclaim and hold him close to me. But I have to remember that it is actually the Holy Spirit who is his true teacher and I am just a tool. So now, I pass the burden of this great commision on to grandma and grandpa and pray that the Lord uses them this next week as His tools to teach this little scholar.

I love you, little Elliott. We'll save your place in class for you for your return. No one will be sitting at your desk!

6 comments:

The Montgomerys said...

Oh, I feel sad for you. That must be so hard. I'm sure he will have a wonderful time with his Grandparents. I love you, praying for you!

Nina49a said...

Nevaeh will be stoked to hear this news:)

Unknown said...

20 years ago when my son was 5 he flew alone to Sacramento to visit his grandma. I still remember watching him board the plane with his teddy bear:) And as I watched the plane fly away, I thought...what was I thinking!:) That was the first of many annual solo flights. Yesterday I was at Islands restaurant with my son and his bride, and guess who we saw...your sweet, smiling son:)

Lindsey said...

Gosh, yes I am starting to see that being a parent is a long list of many "goodbyes" I felt that way when Lily started Kindergarden this year. I cried the whole week! But now she loves school and is learning to read and making new friends. But yah, geez no one told me it would be this hard...!

Tara Harman said...

I saw him today at the good friday service!! I was actually curious if it meant you and dave were in town but now I know, its just him! you are so brave, but I'm sure it helps knowing he is in good hands ;)

Hannah Hosh said...

Oh, this breaks my heart! Such a tough thing to do. I hope he having fun though!