Serious Warning to Mom's Everywhere!!

A mission is an amazing thing.  Those who chose to serve the Lord for 18 months or two years are the most courageous people I know!  It can't be easy going off into the unknown. It would require so much faith!  I know missions are wonderful things and I was so happy when my son Jacob decided to dedicate two years of his life to the Lord.  I was thrilled.  Until the date of his departure got closer and closer. My excitement turned to worry and sorrow and I could not understand what my problem was.  So here is my advice, be prepared to feel anything you may need to feel!  You may be fine letting go of your child to serve a mission.  We are raised in the church to know that this is just what we do.  It is a beautiful, glorious thing.  And you may never have a second thought about it.  If that is the case, yay!

But I am here to say that if as the time grows nearer for letting go of your child, and you start to feel emotions that stray from joy and peace, it is okay.  My personal feeling is that giving up your child for two whole years, after spending 18-20 years raising them, is not an easy or natural thing for many of us.  We love our children. We grow accustomed to having them in our lives.  They grow attached to us as well and may express concern as their time to leave gets closer. So if you are having trouble with the thought of letting your missionary go, know that it is okay!  Probably the majority of us moms feel that way! One mother described herself feeling a sad joy, and I think that describes it beautifully.  Turn to the Lord and ask for the strength to support your missionary and the ability to let go gracefully.  He will bless you with peace, though it may not come easily or as quickly as you may prefer!  Trust that relief will come!

Jacob has been gone for 6 weeks now.  I can say that it has gotten easier for me emotionally.  I feel so blessed to be living in this time when his letters can get to me immediately via email and that I get those letters each week. I also love that I can see his updates on his facebook page. Although I cannot communicate with him that way, I love to read the spiritual thoughts he posts. I can see so much spiritual growth already and it is such a joy for me as a mother. I have learned not to worry about him.  I have replaced fear with faith.  I know that the Lord is watching out for him.