Letting Go of 'The Basket' Is Not Easy

My son, Nathan, calls me “Smother.” He’s right. I have smothered him ... with love. Thank you very much!

The last few years I have experienced the inevitable but necessary mourning season of “letting go” of my not-so-little boy.

Our Pastor recently spoke about Jochebed, Moses' mother. You probably remember the story of baby Moses floating down the river in a basket. Many of us do; however, the part of the story often missing is Jochebed's faith and obedience.

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

Hebrews 11:23

Imagine the thoughts that must have been going through Jochebed's mind. The fear and absolute heartbreak that flooded her soul as the basket slipped from her fingers.

Love and Pain

I have been clinging to my own basket for a while now, unable to surrender and let go. I just don’t want to let go. Nathan no longer needs me to hold him in my arms, orchestrate his days into perfection, protect him, wipe his tears … be his superhero.

I was not prepared for this gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and sometimes debilitating season. It hurts.

God created mothers to love their children with a love like His, knowing the pain we would feel sending them into the world one day. He is waiting for me, with arms wide open. He will comfort me, guide me, and prepare me for the next season.

I am thankful for mothers like Jochebed. Her story brings great hope and encouragement.

As I let go of my basket, I will wait with great anticipation for how God uses my son to reach this lost and desperate world.

… and I will continue to smother him with all my love and support, until my last breath.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

~Serena Cahoon