When I Can't Help

Releasing my kids and my loved ones to God to care for and protect is a daily challenge for me. 

Releasing is a good thing.  

Being anxious and driven to fix or help or explain is not a good thing.  

As people, wanting what is best for those we love is a normal desire.  We want more for our kids.  We don't want others to go through what we have.  We want to smooth the path and ease their hurts and struggles and pain.  

And yet that is so arrogant and selfish.   I can't fix a thing.  I can't help in anyway shape or form especially when not asked.

When they were young I found it much easier to let them fall and skin a knee or bruise a shin.  Bruises and bumps and even stitches were necessary learning tools.  Letting them suffer the consequences of being late to school or not having supper because they were not at the table was just part of life.  


Giving my children the opportunity and responsibility to fail is a gift.  It shows that I believe they are smart enough and capable enough to learn from it and grow.  To know that their life is their life and they have power to make it something.

 My mind knows that we all need to face consequences while they are small so we have the opportunity to learn from them.  To grow much needed character and integrity muscles.  To develop empathy, compassion and sense of who we are. Why are these bumps and bruises any more difficult?  

Why do I worry when I can't help?  When I can't make it better?  Knowing that my boys, my family and those around me all have the choice and the privilege of learning to rely on Him who has all of the wisdom and strength needed to continue.  Each of us as individuals have a choice to make of how we are to live and who we follow.  

I can pray.  I can release.  I can't help.