Wherever We Land

There comes a time in every parent’s life when we must say goodbye—not forever, but to a season that we’ve held onto so tightly. For me, one of the hardest goodbyes was overseeing my children as they left home to begin their college journeys. It wasn’t just about them moving out; it was the realization that the everyday moments—morning hugs, hearing their voices echo through the house, sharing meals together—were no longer going to be the norm. 

At first, the silence felt heavy. I found myself walking past their empty rooms, expecting to hear them call my name or see them pop their heads out to ask what was for dinner. My heart wrestled with emotions—pride in their independence, joy in their accomplishments, and an ache for the little hands that once reached for mine. But in that moment of change, I remembered the very foundation upon which I had raised them: faith.

Instead of dwelling on what I couldn’t control, I made a choice—to let go and let God. 

Trusting God’s Plan 

Letting go of my children wasn’t just about physically watching them leave; it was about surrendering them into God’s hands, trusting that He would cover them with His love, protection, and wisdom. I had done my part in raising them to be strong, faithful, and responsible individuals. Now, it was time to trust that He would guide them through the next chapter of their lives. 

I turned to prayer. Every worry, every ‘what if,’ I laid at His feet. I spoke life over my children, declaring that they would walk in wisdom, find good company, and remember the values instilled in them. I found peace in knowing that no matter how far they traveled, they were never beyond God’s reach. 

Finding Purpose in Our Camping Adventures 

With this new season of life, I knew I had to shift my focus. And that’s when my husband and I fully embraced what had already been stirring in our hearts—our camping adventures. 

Instead of looking at the empty nest as a loss, I saw it as an opportunity to explore, to grow, and to deepen our love for nature and each other. Camping became our therapy, our way of stepping into a new chapter with excitement rather than sorrow. We packed up our gear, hit the open road, and set out to immerse ourselves in God’s creation. 

There was something healing about waking up in the middle of the woods, the crisp morning air filling our lungs, and the sound of birds replacing the hum of city life. Sitting by the campfire at night, I reflected on how God’s presence was always near. Just as He created every star in the sky, He had also designed a unique path for each of our children. 

The Beauty of Letting Go 

Now, as we continue our camping adventures—whether it’s pitching a tent in the mountains or preparing our van, GLO, for the next road trip—I no longer feel the sadness that once gripped me. Instead, I feel gratitude. Gratitude for the years I had with my children under my roof, gratitude for the journeys they’re on now, and gratitude for this new season of exploration and faith. 

Letting go isn’t always easy, but when we place our trust in God, it becomes a little lighter. He reminds us that every goodbye is just an opening for a new adventure—one filled with His grace, His presence, and His perfect plan. 

And so, we camp, we explore, and we embrace this season with open hearts, knowing that while our children may be carving their own paths, they will always be covered by our prayers and His love.