There is a passage in the bible where we are asked to be like the mustard seed which is the smallest of the seeds but when planted, watered and nurtured grows into a large tree.

And when I listen or read that passage it gets me thinking on how that would be applied in my life.

When I think about that I start to remember all those positive things I have done in life, such as giving comfort to someone that is struggling, maybe helping someone in need of food, clothing or shelter.

But what I think has the most power of all is instilling good values in my children and making sure that these valves are nurtured for them to thrive wherever they are.

As parents we are blessed with having human beings entrusted in our care and as we teach valves of love, respect, resilience, hard work, sacrifice, we plant that mustard seed in each one of them.

And as they grow and find more independence and get to be expose to mare people, the strong valves that you have instilled in them start to be shared with many more as they face life with courage and strength and knowing that they will be good examples.

It saddens me when I see children that have reached an age where they have the values and maturity to go and be an example of life, but the parents hold them back and either instill fear or guilt in them.

As parents we are entrusted to empower our children and then let them go and experience and share their testimony with others.

Do I miss them?

Of course I do, however the joy of seeing them blossom and growing to be great examples of human beings that are free, outweighs the sadness.

So as we try to be the best role models and instill good valves, we need to be courageous an allow our children live their lives, support them and have them spread those good values to as many people as possible.

Even though you might think they are not ready, in reality no one is ready to take a leap and be independent, that preparation comes with experience of being free and figuring things out on their own.

Doesn’t mean you will not help them if needed, but you have to trust that they will succeed.

Instead of being selfish by having them with you, show them love by allowing them to be free.

Letting them go is a hard thing to do but the more you let them go, the more they will succeed knowing that you will support them being free.

E. Luna.