It's been a little over three weeks since we dropped our oldest daughter off at her "home away from home." While I say that casually, if you are a parent with a baby in college, you will likely understand the emotional turmoil that comes with watching your kiddo grow up at warp speed, only to arrive at this pivotal point.
Honestly, I was fine. Everything was fine. The three-hour drive to drop her off was peaceful, thankfully. The process of getting her moved in was smooth and strategic. These colleges have this part down! The Texas heat stayed at bay, which, trust me, was a huge blessing. And other than a minor meltdown (on my end, not hers), the whole family pitched in to get her all settled in. In a matter of a few hours, we all had made this dreary little space come to life, and I must say her dorm room is absolutely adorable.
That was it. We hugged her tight, watched her wave as we pulled away, and the car ride home was eerily quiet, eventless, and honestly came with minimal tears. Then we got home. I walked into the house and passed the dining room, which held all my daughter's cute blue and white dorm décor… and I lost it. That room had become filled with hopes and dreams, and boxes that held precious memories of old, along with whispers of new and exciting things to come. Now it was bare, empty, and "lifeless" as I gazed upon a dining room table that held nothing but round wicker placemats and a bowl of potpourri. While I was somewhat glad to see my table again, the image of that sparse table and room gripped my momma's heart and gave way to ugly tears and heaving, uncontrollable sobs.
Oh, momma friend, if you are entering the fall season with a heavy heart, I feel you. While this season is my absolute favorite. I mean, who doesn't like pumpkin spice everything? This year will be different as I won't be sipping that goodness and walking through the isles of Hobby Lobby, with her. Sniff, sniff.
Before we get to prayers to cover our precious college kids, which is obviously why you are here, I would like to offer up a prayer for you.
Father God, I humbly lift up the sweet momma reading this today. You know her heart, her raw emotions, and the many burdens she is carrying as she enters this season. A season that comes with the sweet whispers of change and a sincere reminder that our time this side of heaven is truly a gift. O God, You are such a good Father to give us this autumn season and soak in all Your glory, goodness, and faithfulness. So, I come before You with a grateful heart, asking that You draw close to this precious mom. Give her tender moments to eagerly embrace Your precious presence, while she places her heart in Your loving hands. Grant her peace that surpasses all understanding and comfort when memories trigger sadness. As motherhood has shifted a bit, provide her with sweet opportunities to explore this season with a sense of wonder as You bring forth ways to use her gifts to honor and glorify You. I ask this in Your holy name. Amen.
Now, my friend, let's take your heart to the Father and lift up your baby in college. Below are some whisper prayers you can pray on a whim. They are short and sweet, but powerful and impactful. Say them when you reach the parking lot of Starbucks for that pumpkin spice latte. Or take your heart to the confines of your kiddo's bedroom. Sit on their bed and breathe out a prayer for peace in that quiet room, all the while knowing God is writing their story, and it's going to be so good!
Lord, this new and exciting season that awaits my child is filled with both beauty and tantalizing temptations. I come to You with a pure and honest heart, earnestly asking that You pave the way to his future by helping him lift his eyes to You, first and foremost. Give him the strength to lean back into the foundation that was set before him, and honor You with his choices. Lead and guide him on the right path, show him the truth, and touch his heart with Your forever promises. Allow him to be an influence for Your kingdom and make an impact on his college campus and in his dorm. In Jesus' name. Amen.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19
Faithful Father, thank you for providing us with the truth and wisdom found within the sweet pages of Your Word. As my daughter gains knowledge this semester and grows in her understanding of the world around her, I earnestly pray that she begins to truly understand the meaning of Your wisdom. Please help her manage her time and studies and guard her quiet moments so she may spend them with You. As she faces challenges, give her the means to seek Your will and way. Open doors so wide that she can't help but walk through them and close the doors that stray her away from You. Amen.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10
Sweet Jesus, my heart is heavy and filled with endless questions and "what ifs." Knowing that my child will likely be exposed to many new friends and finding the right church may prove challenging, I place it all in Your more than capable hands. I pray for faithful friendships, Godly mentors, and for safe and healthy boundaries. I pray that each college student stays grounded in Your Word and that as they grow spiritually, they learn to hold one another accountable, striving to be "the light" on their campus. I pray that You allow this generation of college students to rise up and walk in confidence in who they are and who they belong to. Please help me remember that you have them and are doing great things! I place my trust in You. Amen.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
Gracious God, the college workload can be intimidating and daunting, and can certainly cause fatigue and maybe even undue stress. So, with that, I ask that You grant my Son the perseverance he needs to find a healthy balance between his studies and social life. I ask that when times get tough and he feels overwhelmed that You help him manage his tasks and use his skills to do more than merely survive, but to thrive, seeing the purpose in this season. God, please remind him that You hold his future and that You meet every single one of his needs, in Your time. Thank you for covering my Son in Your provision so that he can endure all things. Amen.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
O God, I am not naive, as I know that this fall semester will likely bring challenges and place my daughter in unrighteous and, dare I say, sinful situations. After all, we live in a fallen and broken world, and the enemy's prime target is our children. But You are holy, good, and I know in the end that You win! While that brings me comfort, I come to you with a worried momma heart and ask for Your fierce protection to be placed over her. Guard her heart, mind, and body, and fight the battles she may be unthinkingly going into. Give her the strength to stand firm in her faith and stand up for what is good, true, noble, and right. I ask this in Your precious name. Amen.
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14
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