Pulling Back the Bow

Bear and Luke got bows for Christmas. The bows were quite complicated in their construction---a far cry from the bent wood bow that is most often associated with this ancient weapon.

My boys are always in the forefront of my thoughts but more so the past few days. Sentimental feelings seem to be bubbling up from some wellspring inside of me this Mother's Day.  I suppose it is because my years of actual mothering is winding down.  (However, I did have to run to school this morning to take Luke something he left behind. I am still needed on occasion!)

I once heard a sermon about releasing boys into the world.  The preacher used a bow and arrow to demonstrate his point.  Boys are arrows. As parents, we are to be intentional in pulling back on the bow string knowing that we will one day release our arrows. The goal of shooting an arrow from a bow is to hit a target. Focused on the target, we send our boys into the world ready to hit the mark---ready to  begin a new journey without our having a hold on them.

We must release them, but we can't if don't pull back on the string. The tension of pulling back is good and necessary, but it is hard. It takes a strong steady hand. (How thankful I am for their Dad.)

Bear is about to release--- just like the picture of the bow he is holding. Only Jeff and I are holding the bow and he is the arrow.  Soon the string will slip from the finger and he will be released. How I am praying he hits the mark and finds the place of his destiny.

With Luke, the tension is just starting as he finishes up his first year in high school. Soon he will sit behind the wheel of a car, and with that, wade into the world with more independence. The tension builds.

The Bible says those with a full quiver are blessed. But arrows aren't meant to stay in the quiver. They were meant to hit their mark.

So thankful for my boys. So difficult to pull back as a Mom. So thankful for a Sovereign God who made them, who purposed for them a life to fulfill, a destiny. My prayer is these arrows will find their target right in the middle of God's plan for them.

     As for God, His way is blameless;

         The word of the LORD is tried;

         He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. 

    For who is God, but the LORD?

         And who is a rock, except our God, 

    The God who girds me with strength

         And makes my way blameless? 

    He makes my feet like hinds' feet,

         And sets me upon my high places. 

    He trains my hands for battle,

         So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 

    You have also given me the shield of Your salvation,

         And Your right hand upholds me;

         And Your gentleness makes me great. 

    You enlarge my steps under me,

         And my feet have not slipped. 

Psalm 18:30-36