The Bridge

So the boy, I mean, the young man, is leaving for college tomorrow.  Some of you have crossed this bridge before.  You are driving along, coasting really, and there is a sign on the side of the road that says, "Bridge Ahead, 9 miles".  You know it's coming because you can count the mile markers.  Mile marker 1.0 - high school, 2.0 - wisdom teeth removal, 3.0 - summer job, 4.0 - driver's license, 5.0 - owns a Mustang, 6.0 - graduation, 7.0 - girlfriend, 8.0 - packing, 9.0 - good-bye mom.  You know the bridge gets you from one side of the road to the other.  You know it's necessary, inevitable, unavoidable, inescapable, undeniable, (shall I go on?).  You just gotta cross that bridge.  There is no turning around, turning back, backtracking,  backpedaling, dodging, (shall I go on?).  You just gotta cross that bridge.  So, you resign yourself to do it well. You go to Home Depot and you get five 16" x 12" boxes and you pack up your child's life.  There is no room for lectures or home cooked meals or vacations.  Just the basics; pants, shoes, shirts, computer, alarm clock, laundry bag (with instructions) and underwear.  It seems like you're missing something.  This bridge has been crossed by many, but of course, when you are crossing it, it seems insurmountable, gigantic, massive, colossal, Herculean (shall I go on?).  You just gotta cross that bridge.  You gas up the car and feed the boy.  You move forward and pray that all the efforts you put forth will bear fruit and that no one will run out of fuel along the way.  The bridge, you come to see, is actually something you have been building for years and, believe it or not, leads to an amazing adventure.  It is sturdy.  You can do it, he can do it!  Yes, it's scary and unknown, but only to us, God knows the path He has laid out for His children. There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).  Good-bye son, safe travels.