Redemption

If there is has ever been a picture of redemption it is right now- watching my girl get ready for college.

As you have all seen through the myriad of posts these past several months, the time is approaching. In nine days to be exact. It’s been an emotional time and I think I have felt it all lately- excited, scared, happy, sad, elated, nervous, and the list goes on.

As I watched her leading worship this past weekend though, one word came to me that I hadn’t really felt before.

Redemption.

And it took my breath away.

Oh, praise the Father!

 

 

You see, I also went off to college at the age of 18. But for me, it was a completely different experience. I was an utterly different teenager. I had been through a tumultuous time in my teen years. I put my parents through many nightmares. My life was fairly dysfunctional, to say the least, as were my relationships.

And when it came time to go to college, I couldn’t wait to finally leave! It wasn’t a sad time for any of us. There was no lamenting in the last days. I am fairly certain I was counting them because they didn’t go by fast enough. There were no tears, just the feeling that I was finally getting away.

And then I got away. 

And when I looked at my girl up there singing praises to her Savior this past Sunday, it hit me so hard. She is about to go off to college…and for me, going off to college was the beginning of the worst time of my life. The time where I would meet people that would not only be the “wrong crowd,” but it was the time where so much harm was done and I would walk through some pretty awful experiences.

The feelings overwhelmed me as she, up there with a huge smile, worshiping the Lord, started to mesh into my own memories of me at that same time. It was all so overwhelming.

And all I could think of was, “Redemption.”

If I had not gone through all the horrific things that I did at her age, she wouldn’t be here. None of my kids would. I wouldn’t have ended up meeting my husband if I hadn’t gone through every single terrible moment.

If I hadn’t walked through the doors of darkness, I wouldn’t have seen the light I do today.

Isn’t that an amazing thought?

Redemption.

It’s what God does.

And so as I feel all the normal things that come with letting my girl go off to college…(and I am truly excited for her!) the biggest one that hits me today is, God has restored.

At 18, I was rebellious, lost, and living in darkness. 

At 18, she is walking with the Lord, has the most amazing friendships, and is a light to all who know her. She is capable and confident and about to go to Bible college to pursue her passions. It really couldn’t be any more opposite of where I was at 18.

A picture of God’s mercy and grace…and redemption. That is what I see as we watch this young woman go to the next chapter of her life. And I praise the Lord for what He alone can do.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My Chains are gone, I’ve been set free
My God my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing Grace