Having been in therapy long enough myself, and having counseled enough people over the years, I am keenly aware that there are times in life’s journey when one would do well to ease off the throttle a bit and slow down. Slowing down allows one to pay more attention to where they are at rather than focusing on getting farther down the road.
Typically, these are times when life is particularly demanding. Wisdom suggests that it would be a good idea to drop the activity level of one’s life in order to free up additional energy for managing his (or her) own emotional wellbeing.
This fall is one of these times for me. My oldest daughter is going off to college (15 hours away). Yes, I am tremendously excited for her. This is what we raised her to do, and I eagerly look forward to the person she will continue to become as she takes this next step in her development. I have every confidence in her, and am quite pleased with the kind of choices I see her making in her life. So overall, this is a positive time in life.
At the same time, of course there is a deep grieving that is occurring in my soul, and I will greatly miss her. With that in mind, I didn’t want to find myself in a place this fall where what is required of me exceeds the personal resources I have available; where what is needed is more than I can give.
But you know what they say about the best laid plans… It turns out a key staff person that we expected to return after a summer break will be working somewhere else. I’m not complaining; these things happen.
I’m also not overly worried or stressed out about it; we’ve been through tough times before, and there will be tough times again. I had a great summer vacation that left me feeling refreshed and revitalized. I remain excited about the fall.
But it does present a significant challenge on a number of levels. For those of you who believe in praying, I’d appreciate it if you’d remember me in your prayers in the next couple weeks. Thanks!
My brother,
These transitions are so real and so important and at times they HURT. Such a weird mixture of pride and hope and grief.
I've sent my two daughters off, my son is in the 8th grade. Each occasion has been quite different, but painful none the less.
You will be in my prayers. And I appreciate your honesty, opening these feelings up in this way.
In addition, I am sorry the staffing thing worked out that way. I wonder what God has in store??
Posted by: David | August 20, 2007 at 09:32 PM
Blessings on all of this, Rob. Hope all is going well, and if it's Calvin, hopefully we can meet either this time, or another time.
Posted by: Ted Gossard | August 21, 2007 at 08:26 PM
I will definitely be praying for you, Rob. Keep us posted on Christine's transition to college.
Posted by: Kris | August 21, 2007 at 09:46 PM
You sound so mixed up, and that is not like you. You will be in my positive thoughts - beams like these >>>>>>>> will beam across the miles to comfort you. Positive thoughts on their way.
How is Linda taking it?
hugs!
Posted by: Coral | August 22, 2007 at 04:07 AM