“It shouldn’t be this hard,” I mumbled while getting ready for the day ahead. Even though tears were threatening I had to stay strong—this was my son’s big day. As a Mother transition has become my middle name. Like the closing of a door, so is my last child’s last day of elementary school.

Life is filled with transitions.

Mothers rejoice in the transition from baby food to solids, crawling to walking and diapers to potty training. We jump for joy and call everyone on our speed dial when our child finally sleeps through the night.

Not all transitions are easy though.

I remember my first child’s first day of Kindergarten, standing there with other weeping Moms, wondering if I had done enough to prepare him for this first transition in his life. Hoping he remembers his ABC’s and says his “please” and “thank yous.” Also Lord, please remind him to put the seat down after using the rest room!

It is in these moments of transition I am sure God chuckles. Early on as a Mother I spent many weary, sleepless nights praying my children would grow quickly. Now I am on my knees praying the Lord would grant me a little more time in their childhood. It seems to have gone by too fast.

There is sweetness about elementary school I have discovered. The memories of dressing up for Renaissance day with parents cheering from the side, or completing your first science fair project and feeling a sense of accomplishment. During the middle school years students’ goal is survival then in high school they develop into their own identity. Each transitional stage has its joys, but there is a sweetness of elementary school that lingers in this mother’s mind.
I wondered what God was doing giving this tender-hearted Mom three great boys she would one day have to let go. God knows what it is like to pour his heart into someone only to have to release it.

God gave up his only son to die on the cross for our sins. God’s son was beaten, humiliated, and rejected. But God knew by letting go, he would save the world. Letting go was necessary for salvation and blessings to come.

There is a comfort as a Mom knowing God understands a mother’s heart. Not that I dare to compare a child’s transition in life to the sacrifice God made, but instead rest in the comfort God understands.

The only thing that makes transition easier is focusing on that which does not change. Fixing my eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

I don’t know what the future may hold for my three sons, but I do know God never changes. I look forward with anticipation when my boys become men, when they graduate high school, when they meet the woman they are going to spend their life with.

But today I will grieve the closing of another door. Transition is good, but not easy.