The words “Thank You” can and will never be enough to express my gratitude for how you’ve helped my children become the people they are today and no doubt in their lifetimes to come. It’s a crazy experience to say the least when you finally see your child as an adult.Jonathan’s incredible life-changing transformation over the last 10 months since he launched with Adventures in Missions and Maggie’s decision to pursue her graduate degree over 300 miles away are recent reminders that both are living their lives as a result of you, their supporters, and most importantly God.
Today marks less than 3 weeks until one child leaves and one month until the other comes home. The conflict I’m feeling can be almost strangling….I’m so proud and excited for Maggie (who worked like a dog) to achieve her academic dream yet selfishly sad not to be closer in proximity for the next two years. I’m ready to have Jonathan back home~ safe and sound, following the path he’s ready to walk, attending fun events, and watching sports from his position on the couch. But I am afraid that when he finally gets here, “home” won’t be like he remembered. I’m hoping that I won’t succumb to typical mothering ways or attempt tomicro-manage either of them. I’m sure that I would take it personally if Maggie wants to place long-term roots in the south or wonder if Jonathan is trying to get away from me if he senses a call in another direction.
Because I am perpetually reminded and keenly aware that God’s plan is the best of the absolute best, whenfears such as these start to consume me, I remindmyself that I need to give messages such as these away in prayer. I find immense comfort being less of an adult and becoming a child instead. This way, I am able to place my faith ultimately in Him and in His plans for me and my loved one’s lives.
Although musical talents were never blessings I personally possess, one way that I’m able to pray, praise and muddle through earthly trials (like described above) is through listening to music. Jonathan used this song in a recent video, and when I truly listened to the words, I have no doubt that God was speaking directly to me! For anyone experiencing any sort of trepidation, fear, or anxiety, my hope is that listening/hearing it could do the same for you.
“Keep Your Eyes Open” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91iXRMkmFbs
By: Needtobreathe
If you could soldier on
Headstrong into the storm
I’ll be here waiting on the other side
Don’t look back
The road is long
The first days of the war are gone
Take back your former throne and turn the tide
‘Cause if you never leave home, never let go
You’ll never make it to the great unknown till you
Keep your eyes open, my love
So tell me you’re strong, tell me you see
I need to hear it, can you promise me to
Keep your eyes open, my love
Just past the circumstance
The first light, a second chance
No child could ever dance the way you do, oh
Tear down the prison walls
Don’t start the curtain call
Your chains will never fall until you do
‘Cause if you never leave home, never let go
You’ll never make it to the great unknown till you
Keep your eyes open, my love
So show me your fire, show me your heart
You know I’ll never let you fall apart if you
Keep your eyes open, my love
Open up
Open up
Open up your eyes
The weight is unbroken
Open up
Open up
Open up your eyes
Keep your eyes open
Don’t let the night become the day
Don’t take the darkness to the grave
I know pain is just a place
The will has been broken
Don’t let the fear become the hate
Don’t take the sadness to the grave
I know the fight is on the way
When the sides have been chosen
‘Cause if you never leave home, never let go
You’ll never make it to the great unknown
Open up your eyes
Keep your eyes open
So tell me you’re strong, tell me you see
I need to hear it, can you promise me to
Keep your eyes open, my love
So show me your fire, show me your heart
You know I’ll never let you fall apart if you
Keep your eyes open, my love
Keep your eyes (Keep your eyes open)
I know that I speak for both John and myself that what you’ve all done and continue to do for Jonathan and Maggie is a perpetual, never-ending feeling of love and gratitude. We hope and pray that we reciprocate for you and your loved ones and/or that you’ll please let us know if we can.
All the Best,
Karen Anthony
