Finding Joy in Letting Go

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”
—LUKE 10:21

Every time I drop off our oldest son at work, I feel a twinge of emotion in my heart. He just turned fifteen, got his driver’s permit, and started his first job. My little boy isn’t so little anymore. He is becoming a young man. 

Have you felt that feeling I’m talking about? That feeling that reminds you your kids aren’t going to be kids forever? One of the things God wants to do in us is give us joy—not just in raising our kids, but also in letting our kids go. Even Jesus found joy in letting go.

Several years ago a pastor friend asked my husband and me, “Do you know where the Bible says Jesus was full of joy?” Wasn’t He always full of joy? I wondered. While Jesus was indeed joyful, the Bible tells us of a specific time when Jesus was “full of joy.”

We read in Luke 10 that Jesus was “full of joy” after He had sent out His disciples. Having taught them and modeled ministry for them, He sent them out to do what He had raised them to do. And we’re told, He was “full of joy.”

As a mom, I’m reminded that there can be great joy in letting our kids go. We brought them into the world. We are bringing them up in the knowledge of God and His Word. But ultimately our calling is to release them into the world to live for God’s glory. I find joy when I focus on what they will gain and not what I will lose.

Father, thank You for never letting my kids go. I know that even when my kids leave my home, they will never truly be out of Your heart or hands. Give me joy in not only raising them, but in releasing them as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In what ways can it be selfish for a mom to not want to let her kids go? How does Jesus’ example help you let go of your kids with joy? I’d love to hear!

Excerpted with permission from The Better Mom Devotional by Ruth Schwenk, copyright Ruth Schwenk. Available now everywhere books are sold.