Monday, August 22, 2011

College?!?

I want ya all to meet our buddy Keith. He is one of Awake and Alive's fantastic board members. And he has a pinch to say about sending his oldest baby girl off to college...

This past weekend we delivered our daughter to a southern Indiana University, well delivered may not be the right word, perhaps delivered and set up would be more appropriate. By the time the room was rearranged for the fourth time there wasn’t much time left for weeping and gnashing of teeth. Katelyn is our baby girl, our firstborn and the emotions ran high for all.


She only looks slightly embarrassed..
My prayer is she will embrace the college experience, this new season of her life, and turn outward with arms wide open. “Arms wide open” reminds me of a song by the rock band Creed.

Stapp, of Creed, wrote the lyrics when he found out with great surprise that he was going to be a father. In September, 2000 Creed released a limited edition single of "With Arms Wide Open" with some profits benefiting a foundation to "promote healthy, loving relationships between children and their families". Wow, what a novel concept for a secular rock band to promote. Some Christian’s suggest to me those rockers are only about fast cars, women, and drugs. The truth is secular musicians have been promoting love, responsibility, and peace for years. Maybe these folks could take a lesson from Creed. What a great way for Stapp and Creed to put their money where their mouth is supporting foundations that nurture love and respect between children and their parents (but I digress). This isn’t supposed to be a blog about my Christian baggage (I have plenty.)

My wife and I have tried hard to raise our children with a ton of love.
Many times we have failed but,
every once in awhile we got it right.
We read every night to our kids, we keep bedtimes,
and we don’t let them have soda (except every once in awhile.)
That is about it. And now Kate is on her own,
and that is scary.
I hope she is not like me, I hope she understands,
that she can take this life, and hold it by the hand,
and she can greet the world
with arms wide open.


The song took on a whole new meaning for me this past weekend. You are probably very familiar with the lyrics but here they are anyway. I have substituted the word “she” for “he” near the end of the song for emphasis. I think you will get the idea.


Well I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I closed my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face
With arms wide
open Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
Well I don't know if I'm ready
To be the man I have to be
I'll take a breath, take her by my side
We stand in awe, we've created life
With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
Now everything has changed
I'll show you love
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
If I had just one wish
Only one demand
I hope she's not like me I hope she understands
That she can take this life
And hold it by the hand
And she can greet the world
With arms wide open


We love you Katelyn Grace.


~I think so many people can relate to this post, whether you have a brand new baby, sent your baby to kindergarten, high school, or far away to college, this time of change is a great time to stop and reflect on the precious little ones in your life.

Thank you Keith!!


1 comment:

Danielle said...

It comes SO fast, doesn't it? I can't believe how the last 10 years of parenting has just flown by. She is an amazing young woman, Keith and Sharon. Truly.