Fatherhood didn’t start out the way he had always dreamed and planned. As a matter of fact, the way it began would always be a mystery neither parent would completely understand. But, that was okay. Joe humbly accepted what he had been chosen to carry out.

Few words were exchanged with family members concerning the impending birth because any attempts at explanations were totally inadequate and escaped the young couple when the subject arose. As it turned out, the “blessed event” took place in another city, so they were spared some pointed questions that would have been asked.

The first two years brought the normal ups and downs of infancy. As was customary, gifts were presented. Some were saved for later, the significance of which would take a while to surface. Congratulations were offered that would long be cherished and remembered. A move or two to other towns was necessary to insure the baby’s well being, but this was all taken in stride as the young parents had full assurance that everything would turn out alright.

Joe watched with fatherly pride as his son grew. It was evident that this boy was different, though not in a bad way, but he just wasn’t like the other kids. He played with the neighboring children often, but liked his time alone as well. Everything he was asked to do was performed immediately and with eager obedience, whether it was schoolwork, chores at home, or helping the widow down the street. Of course this brought on the agitation and ridicule of playmates, even siblings at times, especially as the kids grew older. It hurt Joe to see his son made fun of, but none of the remarks deterred the youngster’s admirable behavior and good example.

As the years went by, like most fathers, Joe would have liked to have seen his son follow in the footsteps of his own profession, but this was not to be. Working with his hands came easy and was enjoyed by the younger man, but Joe seemed to have an inner sense all along that his son was destined for greater things. Of course, all the men in town felt the same way about their sons, even schemed for their advancements in life, but Joe left this decision where it should have been—in the hands of Someone who was guiding all of them along the way.

Yes, child raising had its ups and downs for Joe. Many times he wanted to jump in and save his son from the sarcasm and jeers. He would have liked to have made the road easy for him. Doesn’t every parent? This father also wanted a better life for his son than he had had. Funny how each generation wants the same things for their kids. Joe provided the best materially that he could, but this fell short of his own expectations much of the time.

Therefore, Joe had reminded himself many times that he had done the best he could. He had passionately loved this child from the beginning. He had protected his very life in infancy. He had taught him everything he knew about hard work. He steered him through the teenage years, and encouraged him to follow his zealous heart.

And in the end, Joe performed the hardest task of all. After having done all that was humanly possible for his son, Joe let him go. He didn’t understand the direction his son’s life was taking, but he knew Who was in charge. Joe had trusted his son’s destiny to Him from the beginning, and he would have to trust the ending to Him as well. But, isn’t that what a good father is all about? Training a child in the way he should go, and then placing him into the Hands that fashioned him in the first place.

The two most hated words in the English language for a parent? Letting go. However, they are the most necessary—no matter Who the Child may be.

Copyright © 2011 Cynthia Price. All rights reserved.

Cynthia Price has been married a very long time and is the mother of four and “Gran” to nine. Her daytime hours are spent working in the medical field.

She teaches Sunday School, is involved in women’s ministry, and Bible Study Fellowship. She is a writer—encourager of others to regularly read and practically apply Scripture.

Just give Cynthia any cookie recipe and she is happy. Also she has Biblical back-up for her belief that only cowards eat “milk chocolate.” Real women eat the decadent, dark stuff!

Photo/CynthiaPrice

Have you ever experienced "letting go" of your child or children?