A Heart to Protect

A couple of "our" college girls were recently involved in a 7-car pile up on the freeway. While the crash could have been devastating, they were unhurt. Truly a miracle.

Their accident impacted me deeply. Not only do we love these girls like daughters, their parents are dear friends of ours. I kept putting myself in their position, imagining how I would feel in the aftermath of such an accident; considering how much different things "could" have turned out. And with a new driver in our home, all my concerns and worries translated into concerns and worries about him driving. Yeah, taming and managing the "what if" questions is one of my great weaknesses. Ok, call it what it is: sin.

As I recounted the accident with the dad of one of these young women last weekend, he made a comment that made a deep imprint on my heart. I've been reflecting on and clinging to it all week.

He said, "I can't always protect them. That's why I'm glad they belong to Jesus."

Oh, what needed truth in his words! When my boys were little, life seemed so much simpler. It seemed I could protect them from all the evils of the world. I controlled where they went...who they played with...what they did. I controlled the radio and the TV and yes, even the car. Now, with 2 teenagers in the house (and a pre-teen right behind them), they're making more of their own choices. This mama's intense heart to protect her boys is met head-on with their increased need to develop trust...grow in responsibility...spread their wings...become men. I recognize, albeit painfully, that I can't always be the one to protect them.

But I know the One who can.

And I'm thankful---so exceedingly, over-the-top thankful---that they know Him, too.