We had planned for all four of the older kids to be here these past few weeks but it didn't work out. The girls had one more thing they wanted to do this morning. We met as a family......they spoke about leadership to Arielle and Nolan. Bre had words for Arielle as the soon to be "oldest at home". 
Krista shared some excellent thoughts with Nolan about being the second at home, supporting a leader...it was awesome.
Jared then spoke about his three years as the oldest. He honestly shared some missteps along the way and made us all cry. He also had words of thanks for Michael and I which were incredibly sweet as we've not always agreed on the path ahead these past few years. The day has been doubly hard for me as it has brought home how quickly it will be time to put Jared on the plane as well....but it was good. A GOOD HARD.
They wouldn't be Gherkins if they didn't ham it up - just a bit. 
Michael put it all into a military context for the kids. Supporting and Supported commanders. He's the Commander-in-Chief. He offered me VP but I decided I wanted the title of "Homeland Security" instead. ::snort::
We all gathered up and prayed for our newest family leaders, and for Jared about to leave home for new adventures. We also prayed for the girls and they prayed for us. I wish we'd had more family circles for prayer while all were home.
I missed Josiah and Jamin as we gathered, but rejoiced in their new jobs...and we prayed for them. I was thrilled the rest of the family was part of this ceremony this time...and I think it meant more to Jared than the illusive graduation ceremony I was sure we needed. ::grin::
I missed Josiah and Jamin as we gathered, but rejoiced in their new jobs...and we prayed for them. I was thrilled the rest of the family was part of this ceremony this time...and I think it meant more to Jared than the illusive graduation ceremony I was sure we needed. ::grin::
Then it was time for the airport....and I am so SICK of airport photos that I swore I'd not take any.....
It was a great two weeks!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...
Silly me. I thought of a conductor's baton being passed; you know, the leader conducts the players. Then I saw it was a baton from a relay....which makes much more sense!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Love the baton, the tangible passing of the leadership . . .
ReplyDeleteOh my puddles here. That was so well told De'Etta. Might steal that when our oldest leaves...
ReplyDeleteMIke/Sis: What to say other that we love you two a LOT and are proud of you too in all
ReplyDeletePraying for you two as you go thru the times of saying by to the kids when they head out to their years of preparing for their choices in life and the many years to come THAT THEY WILL BLESS THE SOCKS OFF YOU!!! REALLY! love/prayers -- Dad/Mom T. (yes, he is here with me)