Letting go of the string

I suppose it's the most  natural thing on earth: a mother's concern for her offspring...whether it's a dog guarding her pups, a bear protecting her cubs or a mom watching out for her children. But sometimes it can go a bit too far. Take the case of Adelheid Schmidt of Hildesheim, Germany. She called the Department of Social Services to complain about her daughter Tina's "uncontrollable, immoral and loose behavior with men". But as it turned out, Tina was over 18, so they took no action. Social workers informed the 92-year-old German mother that her 68-year-old daughter's love life was none of their business! 

Then there's the mom who wrote the president of a small Christian college, asking that her son be given a room mate who didn't smoke, swear, drink and who went to church regularly. "After all," she wrote, "This is the first time my son has been away from home...except for the time he spent in the Marines."

I'm not sure I'd want to be either one of their children; but you can't fault the moms' intentions in looking out for their kids' spiritual well-being.  But there comes a point where we must entrust our children to God, and stop trying to control their behavior. Instill God's word in their hearts and then surrender them into His care. Just as Jochebed released Moses into God's keeping (Exodus 2), and Hannah dedicated Samuel to God (I Samuel 1:28), there comes a time when you "let go of the string" and allow the "kite" to soar freely. But don't fear. God's got them in His hands. Remember, they were His kids before they were yours! As Mother's Day approaches, we salute all you mothers and offer a heart-felt "thank you" for all you do. You truly have the most important job in the world!