Grown Up is Not the End

Although there are enough kids here at the house to keep me and a full time circus trainer busy, the last few days have been about the kids that have grown and left. There are eight kids whose laundry I no longer do. I think that's the best measure of grown, because out of the house certainly doesn't end the relationship in most other ways.

We drove across the state to pick up one of our sons upon his release from jail. He had a difficult time reentering this world as he heard the gate click behind him for the first time in almost four years. The ride home was long and he had apprehension and regrets to express. We dropped him off where he will be staying and I surrounded him in prayers for his fresh start.

While on the road we visited Jacob who lives three hours from here. Jacob has had some difficulties, but we were happily surprised to see how well he was doing, and left missing him again already.

While traveling we got a call from Kelly who moved out to "try and do things my own way" a few months ago. And just as we all figure out at some point, "our own way" is usually the road to disaster, she is finding her situation pretty grim. Although she isn't to the point of the prodigal son, she does want to come to church on Sunday and we are all anxious to hug her and not let go.

Upon arriving home from the trip we were shocked to find that nothing had gone wrong with the nine still at here and all was well.

Either that or they were all lying to give me a little peace and I accept!