Natalie H. is a wife, mom of three boys, and home+landkeeper. To those who know her she is known as a bible teacher, and a beautiful sassy woman that creates a safe and bold atmosphere that stretches imagination, inspires relationships, and a heart that loves you for you while calling you upwards.
My oldest son recently graduated high school. I wrote a letter to him that I shared at his graduation. Pieces and parts of the letter I wanted to share with you as encouragement for other mothers. Also, to other readers, who have a “life altering” change to make in your own life. My hope is that this may also serve as encouragement to you. Our change was homeschooling, but whatever that is for you I hope the two are interchangeable for this encouragement.
Dear my oldest child, Next week you’ll turn 18 and by that time you will have already graduated high school. With tears stinging my eyes I watched you tower over me as you made that ceremonial walk across the stage to receive your diploma. Thinking back to this moment, I can feel the tears trying to force their way out and the emotion caught in my throat threatening to choke me.
I’m struck by two things;
1). His life has been flashing through my mind over these last few months. From this 6lb 4 oz tiny babe to a 6’4″ tall young man. With the cliche in hand, this time has flown by. He has brought so much joy, life, adventure, and noise into our lives.
2). My young man closing one door and at the entrance of another. Heading out into the world to leave your mark on it. He most certainly will leave his mark. There’s no telling what our children will see and experience as they step out of our doors. As we send him off and he embarks on this new chapter of his life we have a few things we wanted to share with him. We hoped he would always remember these things and keep them close to his heart.
“We love you with all of our hearts, but He loves you more. It was hard to find the right words to convey our hearts to him and the others in attendance.
“I saw this quoted recently, “Being a mom gives you a glimpse inside the Father’s love for his children”. He must, with all certainty, love us more than I can fathom. No matter how much we love you, God loves you more. His love is far greater than we can imagine. His love never fails, never gives up and never runs out”.
“In Hebrews the writer tells us, The Lord will never leave us or forsake us. HE is always there”.
“Your faith will be tested and tried – but you have a sure foundation and are anchored in Christ. Cling to Him and the hope that we have in Him.”
“Don’t let the pressure of this world be your guide. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Lay up your treasures in heaven. Family, jobs, careers, etc., all of these are important, but do not allow them to be your master.
“My Son, You are righteous and redeemed. You are set apart. The Lord has plans to prosper you, and plans to give you hope and a future.”
We started our homeschool journey together. Both of us nervous, but both of us convinced or trying to convince the other that we had this. Christmas break of his 4th grade year in public school we pulled him out of school to start homeschooling. We were armed with people in our corner giving us encouragement, prayer, and support. Some of those same people were in attendance for his graduation and this speech. They were able to witness their prayers and encouragement coming full circle. Some people thought we were crazy and at times I did too, but we linked arms and decided to march forward and we haven’t looked back.
I purchased a full 4th grade course load from the only curriculum I was aware of at the time. We set out. He completed the entire 4th grade course in one semester, from December to May, he buckled down and got busy. He wanted this and I wanted this for him. A slice of his redemption story. Homeschooling wasn’t even on my radar. It certainly wasn’t our Plan A, or Plan B, maybe plan C. The beauty in this was this was God’s Plan A for us from the beginning; it just took us some time to figure it out. In that span of four years, if we would have asked and listened to the Father’s answer it would’ve saved us a lot of time and hurts, and a lot of unlearning and a different form of learning to do.
“My son, we are here at this moment because of you. Because of the hard work and effort you put in. Because you are unapologetically YOU.”
“My son, tonight we celebrate you. I love you with my whole heart and am proud of the young man you are, and of the man you’ll become. May the Lord Bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you. Grace upon grace. Blessing upon blessing.”
I ended the speech with his favorite scripture, as I looked into his eyes, I quoted the words and I hoped he felt the love that I felt in my heart seeping toward him in that moment. We stood on the stage and had an auditorium full of watchful eyes, but I saw none of them. Only him. And in an instant I was transported back to the moment he was laid on my chest and our lives forever changed. I love you, my sunshine.
That verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.”
I can attest that Christ mostly assuredly gives us what we stand in need of.
I can look back over my life and see where He has given of Himself so freely. With that, I encourage you, to seek him, to ask him, and to expect an answer. My disclaimer comes at the end, I hope it’s obvious that you shouldn’t make these huge life changing decisions without much prayer, seeking wise counsel, and doing your own research. What works or has worked for our family may not be what works for you and that’s okay. We all have different plans and purposes.
These are the scriptures I used if you would like to read them for yourself. Ask the Lord what His plans for you are. If you are one of His, I can guarantee these are promises for you too.
1 Corinthians 13:7-8, Psalm 107:1, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 1:7-10, Romans 12:2, Matthew 6:20, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Jeremiah 29:11