I recently attended a school meeting with my daughter, who is about to go on her first school residential trip next month. As the teachers discussed the trip’s itinerary and logistical details, I couldn’t help but smile at the excitement of all the children in the room. Observing Anna’s wide grin and the classic fidgeting of an enthusiastic child sitting in a seat, made me remember my own first residential trip. Anna is about to go on an adventure of her own, just like I did and at the same age of eight years old.
To me, those sorts of opportunities represented a rite of passage. I recall getting to have a taste of independence and trying something new but within the safe context of a school-led trip. I’m so thankful for the opportunity that Anna will get to go on this fantastic expedition, and I’m only slightly jealous that I can’t tag along and see some sites I would love to visit too!
With all that I do daily for my children, it can be challenging to let them go, explore, and take a leap towards building independence. These sorts of experiences are a nostalgic reminder that Anna is growing up faster than I would like. Now more than ever, I recognise that each day counts. Even within our days, she is busy at school and extracurricular clubs, while I am preoccupied with ‘family admin’ which includes all things home, school, and family related. Truly each moment I have with both my daughter and son are important, and I am so grateful for moments when I have the perspective to understand that time is going fast.
Dear God,
Thank you for the immense privilege it is to have children.
Help us to truly see and appreciate the little people you have put before us today and not take them for granted.
Bless the days we have with our children and help us to have a greater perspective of the people they are becoming. May we allow them to grow into who they need to be.
Help us to positively love, encourage, disciple, and train our children to know that they are enough just as they are.
Watch over our children when we cannot always be by their side and help us to cheer them on to their full potential.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Joy A. Mead 
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