Snake Mama

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV)

This little rat snake was wrapped around the handlebars of youngest son’s bike this afternoon. I read that, except for pythons, female snakes lay their eggs and leave them without a backward glance. Baby snakes hatch and make their way in life with no nurturing. Six years ago, oldest son chose a school eight hours away because it was as far as he could get from home and still be in the state for prepaid tuition and scholarships. He didn’t know a soul there including the person assigned to be his roommate. As the time approached to take him to school, I filled up his dorm room and meal card with anything he could possibly need in an effort to help him to be self sufficient. His freshman year, he bounced a few checks, endured his first illnesses without me to bring him ginger ale and gained those freshman fifteen pounds. All without my watchful eyes upon him. I adjusted to my emptying nest and as he has developed his own life, sometimes, weeks go by without contact between the two of us. He talks to husband at least twice a week, but I guess mom isn’t as important. I’ve survived. So has he. But, now two years out of college, he is facing his first adulthood hardship. He is not sick (thank God as he has no health insurance) or hungry (most of his pay seems to go for fast food), but I think he could use a hug. And I am not there to give it. Even more than that day we pulled away from his freshman dorm, I long for him and am sad that he is not here. I know I can’t go rescue him. This is a part of life and will help him mature. But, darn I wish I could fix it. Youngest son also had a problem that I couldn’t control. He is discouraged about the job market and was concerned that he might not get into paramedic school because he is so young. Though we thought his acceptance was guaranteed, the admission counselor started making noises about his age last month. He had to go in for an interview with the faculty. We’ve been checking the mail daily for his acceptance letter. Knowing that both my boys needed help I could not give was stressful in an already tense time in my life. Thursday, I asked a few friends to pray for my boys stating what I wanted to happen, but asking them instead to pray for God’s will for them. Yesterday, youngest son received his acceptance letter. It was dated the day I asked my friends to pray. I think it is no coincidence and is God’s way of reminding me to trust Him. He knows what is best for both my boys. And your kids, too. No matter how old they are or what path they are on, God will care for them. Let’s quit stressing and start trusting.