Called to Serve

Yesterday, our oldest son opened a letter that will change our lives.

After two weeks of waiting, a big white envelope came in the mail holding a call to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

So, after a hectic day, after everyone had had the chance to make a guess or two as to where Bryce would be assigned to serve, our family gathered while Bryce opened one of the most powerful pieces of mail he has ever received.

And just like that, my little boy isn't so little anymore.  This child that we have nurtured and taught for nearly 18 years suddenly has very adult decisions and opportunities laid out before him.  

Suddenly, his life stretches well beyond the borders of our home as he begins on a path to serve people more than 2000 miles away.

But, I guess this is exactly what we have been preparing and working for as his parents all these years.  Yes, we are very pleased he has chosen to serve a mission, but what I really mean is that our goal as parents is to support and encourage these young humans and help them develop into people who will become capable and independent and eventually up and leave us.  And if we have done our job well, they will be ready to make big decisions, serve the people around them, stand up for what they believe, and be a positive force in whatever community they are part of (as well as cook for themselves, do their own laundry, and hopefully clean the bathroom).  

At least, that is my hope for each of my babies.  I'm grateful that Bryce is choosing to look beyond himself and set an example of love and faith for his younger siblings.  I sincerely adore this boy and I'll always be thankful that he is mine.  How did he grow up so fast?

Yesterday's events are further proof to me that you can be delighted and joyous but still a bit mournful at the same time.  But it is a beautiful piece of mourning.

So, to sum up.  Florida Orlando, my new favorite mission in the world and August 8, not nearly far enough away.

My mother heart is beaming.