Tonight, Caleb is once again in Jacksonville, FL with the navy recruiter. It is his third overnight stay there. He's been through the medical exams, the ASVAB...(I think), and tomorrow he plans to sign up! Tomorrow, he will choose his career, tomorrow, he will make the biggest committment he's ever made in his life, other than when we surrendered his life to Jesus at the age of 6.
Oh, Mamas out there, how do you let go? My Caleb, who would always check on his mama when she was sick, my Caleb who brings so much laughter to our home, my Caleb is going away. I am proud of him. I am proud of his ambition, his committment to his goals. He has been working out regularly for several years, preparing his body for SEAL training. He should receive his SEAL contract next month.
Could you pray God's guidance for him tomorrow as he makes the final decision?
And, can I tell you a story.
Caleb was saved at such a young age. He was really only 5 years old. He was about to turn six when he told me he wanted to be baptized, and I wasn't sure he was old enough to understand. I told him we would pray. At the time our church didn't have a baptismal pool, so baptism would occur on a Sunday afternoon in the river, the cold river. I took Caleb to my mama's pool, and had him step down the ladder thinking the cold water might change his mind. After he dipped in the pool, he looked at me and said, "Mama, Jesus told me in my heart it was time to baptized, so I have to, don't I?" You guessed it! He won. I believe God allowed that cold water to help him remember well the day he was baptized, no matter how young he was. And, tonight, this night while he is away, as I pray for him, I thank God for that most precious memory!
Enjoy the photos from the past 6 years....I'm sure you'll see more of him before he leaves for boot camp. ;)
Caleb's favorite birthday meal...chocolate chip pancakes....what he always asks for.
Just another day in our life with Brandon and Caleb. The boys bought the bikini briefs as a gag gift, but had to model first. :)
9 comments:
Wow. You have one dedicated young man. I'll be thinking of him. They grow up so fast...sigh.
I am crying for you! I will also pray hard and continue to. I pray all is well.
Oh my, I can't even imagine, I haven't let one go yet. My prayers are with all of you!
Robbie I wanted to cray when I read your post. It's so hard to let go. But don't totally let them go...just losen the grip a bit. They still need their Momma.
Caleb will return a man. A very different man. But he will always be your baby. Pray for him Momma. And know that they are in very capable hands...Jesus Christ!
What a paradox being a mother is, isnt it? Your heart breaks and swells with pride at the same time...
Sweet memories....
Ill be praying for Caleb and for all of you....
Yep..they do grow up fast. Can't believe our Jon has graduated college, now on to his Masters and married!! Prayers for him and for you as you watch the Lord lead him! :)
I, of course, have no advice...I haven't been there. But I'll pray that all goes well.
Just found your blog, and am so enjoying getting to know your family. (I've read the past 5 weeks worth of posts.)
When friends mention how hard it must be to "let my children go", I just tell them that I am way more excited to see ALL that God has planned for them, than I am sad to see them leave. Truly my perspective.
I had a son serve in the army for 4 1/2 years, with 2 1/2 served in Iraq (humvee driver and sniper).
And, this past year I had 3 children serving the Lord overseas: Argentina, Jordan, and Germany.
Yes, I miss them while they're gone ... and can't wait to have them all home. But ... I am much more focused on doing all that I can to support them in the work that the Lord has called them to.
blessings as you ... release them to the Lord ...
mama of 13
Just to let you know ... my two high school boys would pose like that, too.
They recently found a stretchy pair of size 4T shorts, and modeled them for us ... along with a size 7 (child's) pair of bright yellow long-john pants from about 1970.
:) :) :)
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