A New Season For Our Family

Two weeks ago, our family boarded a plane and flew across the country to drop our daughter off at college. What a milestone! As parents, we felt a whirl of emotions, joy, pride, nervousness, and, yes, sadness as we hugged her goodbye and left her in her new home away from home.

Coming back, the house feels different. Her voice, her laughter, and even her music drifting down the hallway is quieter now. But in the midst of this change, we also recognize the blessings that remain right here at home, two busy boys who keep us on our toes and make sure there’s no shortage of energy, noise, or muddy shoes by the door.

Through it all, we’re reminded that life in a family is made up of seasons. For years, we prayed our daughter would grow strong in faith, character, and courage, and now we get to watch her live that. And with our sons still at home, we are fully in the season of carpools, practices, and dinners that feel more like refueling stops before the next activity. Each day, we see God’s hand at work, guiding all of us in different ways.

When I think about this, I can’t help but turn to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

This verse isn’t just for our daughter stepping into her new life at college, it’s for us as parents learning to let go a little more, and for our boys as they continue to grow and carve their own paths. God’s plans are bigger than our own, and His faithfulness remains steady through every transition.

So yes, our house has changed. But it is far from empty, it is full of love, full of life, and full of hope. We look forward to this new season with joy, trusting that the God who has carried us this far will continue to lead our family forward.

Kelsey Wilbern – New Member Coordinator