Milestones

So today we reached another milestone in our home; we now have 4 children with drivers' licenses! I've never posted about this event before (probably because I didn't have a blog with the last one), but I got thinking about it, and it is just one of those amazing experiences as a parent. Sending them out on the road by themselves is heart-rending. I wonder if it is something like the times people send their little ones off to school for the first time; however, not ever having had to face that one (until they were 18 or so!), I don't know for sure. I know one of the main features of parenting is growing them up to help them leave, but wow, it's a hard one. I have been so utterly privileged to have our five children around more than most kids are, and it is wonderful to see them maturing into these beautiful, thinking, communicating, independent beings, so full of life and adventure. What exciting futures lie before them. (This isn't quite what was in my mind; music is playing in the background (Billy Joel classics), (more memories), and I have never been able to concentrate on more than one thing at once when studying or writing or talking...) anyway, these times of letting them go really drive me (no pun intended) to fervent and continual prayer. All good. Being reminded how completely out of control I really am and of how our Heavenly Father cares so much more than I can comprehend is a good thing! Anyway, I am deliriously proud (I hope in a good way) of all my children, but today, it's Luke's turn to be congratulated. Good work, son! (This picture was a year ago at the Grand Canyon--it's amazing how much older he looks today!)