Tomorrow, we return Skyler to his mother. Though we’ve known this day was coming, it doesn’t make it easy. In our own ways, each of us is preparing to part with this sweet boy. The seeds of love planted when we first laid eyes on him have been growing for 40 days.
When we first got him, I wondered to myself whether we can love someone while preparing to part. Though I tried, in the back of my mind was always the thought that we would soon need to give him back. What I have begun to realize is the wonderful lesson God had in store. Not only is it possible to love, but He expects no less. He expects that whether we have a child for 40 days, 40 months, or 40 years. We may not always know how long we’ll have a loved one in our lives, but we may be sure that they’re impermanent.
Rather than looking forward with sadness, I cherish him/them today with loving abandonment.
Rather than clinging out of fear, I remind them (and myself) that I’m but a temporary caretaker for their Father in Heaven.
Forty days with Skyler has taught me, “that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live.” (Ecc 3:12) Cherish each moment trusting that in good times and bad, our Sovereign and loving Lord is in charge.
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