I open the mailbox and pull out another large envelope.
But this one is unlike the others. It’s not another package of marketing materials, trying to convince you to choose their college.
My daughter tears away the top to reveal a formal folder inside. Mounted to one side is an acceptance letter. Embossed and sealed with the university’s emblem.
Accepted.
Wherever we are in life, it’s the most amazing feeling to know you’ve been accepted.
My daughter’s elated.
This college is situated across 200 acres of gentle hills, graced with green pastures and leaves that turn in autumn. Almost every building is more than three stories high, cloaked in brick and encased in colonial-style white trim.
And then there’s the unexpected offering of a scholarship. More grace. And grace abundant.
I smile at her delight, overjoyed with her, yet at the same time, concealing the one thing I keep thinking about.
All of this beauty and blessing is more than 2,000 miles away.
The distance tempts me to be afraid.
Together, we take one more virtual tour of the campus online. And there, behind another picturesque scene, are the hills, reminding me where to lift my eyes.
I lift my eyes to the hills,
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
~ Psalm 121:1-2
The Lord made those hills, the ones on the screen, that I’ve yet to see. And He made her too, my baby, my beautiful girl. He has watched over her for 18 years. And I know He will continue to watch over her as she begins her new adventure, on the far side of the country, unafraid.
Do you remember that moment when you knew you were accepted?
Whether to a college of your dreams or some other exciting opportunity?
Linking today with LisaJo, taking five minutes to write about “afraid.”
Hi Denise,
I love your post, but more so the affirmation of God’s faithfulness.
I have three children who attended college. My eldest was accepted to Columbia in New York but was not ready to leave home so he attended a local university. My second son chased his dream to attend Fordham University in Bronx New York and my daughter followed her dream to Spelman College in Atlanta GA, then her graduate studies at Tufts University in Boston MA all the while working and gaining experience in other U.S. locales. It’s interesting that I was always assured that God was with them and He was. He will be with your daughter too.
Don’t we all have that desire to be accepted? And the fear that we won’t? I am so thankful that God accepts us. Joining you today from Five Minute Friday.
hi denice,
how well i remember when my first daughter was accepted to the college she wanted to attend…with a great scholarship too! she was so excited. i was excited for her, but the college was too far away! i hated losing the first one from the nest. i knew that once she was gone, the years would go quickly and soon the nest would be empty.
that was 25 yrs ago! i can’t believe it…even i didn’t know it was that long ago! as i suspected, each of the 3 girls grew up, attended college…2 outside of Chattanooga, TN and on outside of Chicago, IL. Their lives each went in interesting directions. Now, they live in diverse parts of the world…raising our 7 grandchildren and doing different types of work as well as serving in their churches.
GOD took care of them and protected them not only from physical danger, but gave them good friends in college that encouraged them in their faith…and it was mutual.
Your daughter is walking into a whole new world. How exciting for her and you all…as you learn to trust GOD in new ways.
With the excitement, I know the fear of a mama heart…because we never outgrow that longing to be accepted and valued and needed, even if it’s by our very own babies when they’re grown. I’m rejoicing and aching right along with you, and joining you in lifting my eyes to the hills He has made, and resting in the truth that it will all be beautiful in His time! Much love to you
Denise, this is exciting news!! Congratulations to your daughter. I don’t know where she will be attending, but in my mind I envisioned the University of Va with the hills all around. That verse is so beautiful and I sing it in my head every time I read it. So beautiful to read your anxious mama heart be strong!
beautiful words denise!! i know, i’m here, i’m on the verge myself. and yet, when she should be leaving for college next fall, i’m selfishly happy i have her home for another year! when my time comes, i may need to refer back to your words! congratulations and much love!
How wonderful for your daughter. I can imagine your anxious mama heart, but I know that the Lord has His hand on her and she will be okay. Love this scripture!