Surviving

Well, it has been over a week since she came home for Labor Day and of course left again. I can't express how fabulous it was to see her AND hug her precious neck.  About the last hour of her drive, she called several times to report where she was. When she walked in the door, she was immediately in tears. I think she was just so happy to see us and it was the moment she realized she missed home. I am thankful she isn't homesick and unhappy while she is away, but happy to know she values "home".  Our time was wonderful- just having her in her own bed was the best! She slept a lot (CLEARLY she isn't doing enough of that!), and we just enjoyed her prescence.

As much as I would have loved to just keep her home (my little one continually reminded her of the community college nearby), she seemed excited to head back. While I woke up that day with a pit in my stomach thinking about another "see you later", I was glad for her enthusiasm and excitement to get back and see the friends she missed.  I remember vividly, the feeling of getting close to home AND the feeling of returning to school.  Both were great, and that certainly is what I want for her!

Watching her drive out of our driveway was still brutal, and most of the day I was in a bit of a funk, but I do seem to feel a little better as a whole. In being honest, I do occasionally feel a punch in the gut of grief at least once a day. I think it is just the physical pain of missing her, and I do NOT always end up in tears which feels like progress.

I am so blessed to have a daughter who wants to include me in her life. I don't think there has been more than a day that goes by that she doesn't send me a picture of her with friends doing something fun. I even occasionally get a video clip of something she is seeing! Oh how it is my saving grace!!

Another wonderful thing is the little nuggets of God's word I send her daily, because I always get a response that allows me to hear fom her at the start of her day!!!  I am SURVIVING and her wings seem to be working! THANK YOU, GOD!!!

(If you have any scriptures you think would be good to share, please post them in a comment- I would be thrilled!)

Here are some of the scriptures I have sent her in the past week and a half:

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamped around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
(The day she drove home)

Psalm 126:3
The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!
(Celebrating her getting to come home, and all the wonderful collegiate experiences she is getting to have!)

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
(Fearful about a test)

Psalm 121:1-2
I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
(a bit overwhelmed finding the balance of fun, rest and studying)

Exhaustion set in!! Isaiah 40-30-31. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.