Rolling down the highway
I breathe another sigh My dear Timothy, I understand the new transition in your life at this point – it is a difficult one. The threshold from adolescence to late adolescence, and eventually your adulthood, is a difficult one. I write with regards to when (not if) you come under stress at your family household You see, frequently we move away from our homes. No, I do not mean the house where you happen to live. The space you occupy is only the space you occupy; the locale of your heart, however, is another matter. This is where your home is: with your family and friends, your loved ones. If you are like me, you find it difficult to make college, or wherever you happen to be, your home. This is especially hard your first year. I pray that you come through this with more ease than I have. But I want you to consider this: The home of your parents and your friends have changed as well. You see, they are adjusting to this new environment just as you are. “Empty nest syndrome” is, I think, very much a reality. As you are learning to adapt to your new environment at school or your apartment or whatever, your parents are adapting to not having you there. This causes stress under almost any circumstance. The resilience and will of your parents have to be taken into consideration. They have ceased to be an authority and inarguable voice. As your relationship with your parents changes from one of authority to that of a mutual partnership. Consider how this affects your spiritual life. God is our father. This is how he is described. Now let me preface what I am about to say by stating that he remains the master, as well. You are still his servant. However, the more mature you become in your relationship with him, the more responsibility he will give you. Just like your natural parents. He demands obedience, yes, but he begins to expect you to take up the responsibility given to you and to be a good steward of it. As we learn to crawl and eventually walk and run, he will occasionally let go of your hand to allow you to learn. He has become a partner. So rather than seeking answers all the time, learn to simply seek him. Seek his advice and guidance. He will not always give a straight “yes” or “no.” Oftentimes he will state, “You already know the answer to that.” Other times he will remain silent, and will let you discern, learn, and fail and succeed. He does not always promise answers – he promises his support and love at all times. He is now your partner. So as you adjust to your time away from home, allow your parents time to adjust to their new home (because new is what it is – it is changed and fresh), and remember that the demand upon you is to be responsible with your new tasks. The question no longer is a child’s “How will you solve this?” But a new, “How are we going to defeat this?” He is now your partner. Now and forevermore. And He is faithful. As you change, he remains constant, but as ever can fulfill the changes in your needs. Continue to go to him as the source. He is now your partner. I hope this helps Yours in brotherhood,
-A | 
