She Did It

Second Edition

(Tears... Speechless...)

I watched my daughter in awe as she walked with her gown and beautiful cap towards the stage where she would be honored for finishing the course she began 4 years ago.  

Well, I guess it all started way before that...

Before I had children I was an expert at parenting.  

I knew exactly what I needed to do and even more sure of how my children would respond.  I was going to teach them all sorts of things and they were going to learn them excellently.  I would create them in my own image.  Little did I know that all my ideas and philosophies about parenting would be challenged. These were two real people with their own little distinct personalities. And, in fact, my children were given to teach me a lesson or two.  I'm amazed and forever grateful to the Lord for blessing my kids inspite of my mistakes, imperfections and limitations.  

She did it.

We will remember our daughter's undergraduate season as years of God's provision, promise and protection.  God strengthened her, gave her wisdom and guidance at moments when she needed it the most.  He surrounded her with amazing and godly people to look after her and provide support, kindness.  He was with her through difficult times, late study nights, and unknowing outcomes.  In her happiest moments, and most trying ones alike, his peace and presence sustained her.  Now in retrospect, we can say,
"Look what the Lord has done."  

As we end this chapter and begin the next one, we will hold fast to
God's faithfulness knowing that he will complete that which He has begun.  

"You have searched me, Lord,
And you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my thoughts and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
And you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
Too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely darkness will hide me
And the light become night around me,"
Even darkness will not be far to you;
The night will shine like the day,
For darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
When I was made in the secret place,
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
All the days ordained for me were written in your book
Before one of them came to be
How precious to me are your thoughts, God
How vast is the sume of them
Were I to count them
They would outnumber the grains of sand
When I awake I am still with you.

Congratulations, Mamita...