Project 365 Day 161: When Travelers Return

Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 1/400 shutter, 100 ISO

My traveler has come home after three nights and three days hiking and camping in the wilderness of the the North Georgia mountains. For three nights my body slept while my spirit kept both eyes wide open, praying for my son. For his safety, his well-being, his joy in the journey. I had no way to contact him and I didn’t really know where he was. I had to entrust him to the only One who could be with him every minute and in every place.  When I finally got to talk to him last night, he said the group had gotten separated and that they had hiked 21 miles, a lot of it in the pouring rain. They were finally all back together. He was tired and they were coming home a day early.  I was grateful.

Sometimes I forget that it is my job to let go and encourage the spreading of wings to fly. At least at this stage of parenting. Yes, I still love. Yes, I still hug and stroke hair, (when permitted). I listen, I offer advice, I ask questions, I watch, I pay attention, I laugh. And I pray. For all the places that I fall short, and even those in which I think I am strong, I pray to a God who loves my son more than I possibly ever could. I pray and I trust. I am loosening my grip one finger at a time, but I am getting there.

When he stood up tall out of the car in the afternoon sun today, my heart finally rested after three days. The sight of him, weathered and smiling, and looking more like a man than a boy, was like a drink of water for my mother’s heart. I soaked it in.

Grateful and tired tonight. He is in his bed, at least for one more night tonight.

Psalm 139:7-10 ~ “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

Feather from the Journey

Happy Sight