Let Them Go

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127:4

This time of year marks graduation season and this year we are not any different than the many households who will be celebrating the graduation of a loved one today. Today, we get to celebrate the graduation of our son, Lincoln from preschool. Last night as I lay in bed wondering where the past four years and nine months have gone, I was reminded of the words of the psalmist, “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.”

There is a simple truth about arrows; they are not intended to stay in the quiver. It is just a means to carry them until they are ready to be released. You see, arrows are made to fly; they are made to pierce a target. The same can be said of our children. They are not meant to stay within the confines of their homes, they are to be released and fly toward a target for maximum impact. And for many of us graduation is a moment of release for our children, even a preschool graduation. It is important that we do this, because our children were designed by their Creator to make an impact on and in this world, no matter their age.

Author Carol Kuykendall writes, “Letting go is a God-given responsibility as important as love in the parent child relationship. Without it, without release, children cannot grow. With it, they gain confidence and independence to seek and reach their potential in life. ‘Give your children roots and wings’, the old saying goes. Love them and protect them, nurture them with a strong sense of God and family and then – let them go.”

So, if you’re a parent of a graduate this year, may God grant you the strength to draw back your bow and let your arrow fly.

~ Tim Hall https://twitter.com/1timothy12 (I encourage feedback, questions & comments - email me at 1timothy46@gmail.com)