Launching our Children Into the World

Exodus 2:3,
When she could no hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket… Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.

We recently spent a weekend at Topsail Beach, enjoying my son’s birthday and good family time. Following this beach trip, we would be taking the last of my four children to college.

Early that Saturday morning, feeling heavy hearted, I threw on my clothes for an early run while everyone else slept.

Surrounded by the beautiful small emerald green islands, a gentle breeze and sparkling waters, I stopped to take in the scenery. My gaze was caught by a boat launching into the intercoastal waterway. Suddenly God brought to mind the story of Jochebed, the mother of Moses.

Jochebed lived in Egypt during a time when the Jewish people had been forced into slavery because of their large numbers. Feeling threatened by their growing size, Pharaoh commanded that every Jewish male be killed at birth.

No longer able to conceal their son, Moses’ identity, Jochebed and her husband took their three-month-old, to the Nile River. They placed him in a basket and launched him into the waters of the unknown.

Jochebed had no choice but to trust God.

As I stood among the reeds by the launching dock, I was suddenly in her place. Realizing Jochebed’s heart was to protect and, nourish Moses while giving this special baby the hope of a future. Jochebed would have to trust God with Moses as she placed him in the waters of the Nile.

I would have to do the same with my son. This is my last child that I was launching into the world. I have no other choice but to trust my heavenly Father….

Emotions welled up within me. Sadness, grief, and sorrow grew as I reviewed all I had done for 19 years. I had raised my son with God’s eternal plan in mind. To the best of my ability, I had protected him. Prepared him. Prayed for him and presented him over and over to God.

The Holy Spirit comforted me that day along the water as only He could. God had a special plan for my son just as He had a special plan for Moses who also lived in difficult times. God took care of Moses, and He will take care of mine.

As I prayed it through, the Spirit encouraged my heart with fresh hope and faith. I continued on with my run, trusting God more deeply because He had spoken to me personally. He had comforted my heart and encouraged me.