A year ago my oldest son stood on stage with other high school seniors while our church family prayed for them. Next year I'll watch my youngest do the same. Today I cried alongside the other moms, remembering the emotions of last year and knowing there's more to come next year.

This year, as I'm sandwiched in between graduates and watching some of my dearest friends launch their children, I wanted to take a minute to offer a blessing for moms of graduates.

Yes, this may be high school or college graduation, but it's also for those shepherding ther baby from preschool to kindergarten or leaving a supportive elementary school to the chaos of middle school.

It's an emotional time of year overfilled with celebrations and commitments. I pray this blessings reminds you that you are loved, and that you are held by our Heavenly Father even when the season causes our hearts, minds and bodies to feel unsteady.

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A blessing for moms of graduates

Blessed are the moms who watch their child transition with tearful pride. Who are in the space of relishing what was and excited for what's to come but find emotion hitting them in the middle of the produce section.

Blessed are the moms who are adjusting their grip. Who don't know how to simultanesously let their child fly to the next phase but also help them learn that critical life skill they still haven't mastered. And yet we still hand over our child to God, time and time again, because it's just so hard to let go.

Blessed is the anticipatory grief, of knowing the next phase is different but not yet knowing how it will be. Still, we know God loves our children more than we do.

Blessed are the tears. They show love. May we never apologize for them, even when they show up when we'd rather they didn't.

We seek the Father's peace during this time. We search for those unexpected moments of connection and pray we remember them always. We allow carved moments of quiet, solitude, reflection to ensure we can pour into others because we've cared for ourself.

Blessed is every emotion, from joy to frustration to sadness. All are God-created. And may the prayers and investment we've made in our children continue to live in their hearts and light their path on their new journey.

We lift up all the mamas to you, Lord Jesus. May they feel your love, peace and comfort.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6