We have all heard the old adage “it’s time to cut the apron strings.” We knew it was time when our children began to set their own life course and came to a point when their decisions weren’t always in agreement with ours.

For several months, our eldest daughter talked of going to Central Asia for a one-year mission experience after graduating from college. As parents, we worried a little about our daughter going to that part of the world, but we sensed God had prepared her well for this time in life. Because she had spent most of her life in Ecuador, missions was a way of life for her. We felt proud of her and at peace with her decision.

Then came the shocker. Our youngest daughter decided to take a year off from her college studies to go to Asia to teach English. This wasn’t the plan we had for her! I was reminded that releasing me to missions wasn’t the plan my parents had for me either. When left them behind, they were feeling a bit confused about what I was heading off to do for the Lord.

After a recent three-year homeland assignment, we were preparing to return to Ecuador as empty-nesters. Worry and anxiety once again began to flood my soul. One daughter living in a far away land with no family was enough for me, but please, Lord, not two! But God began to work in my heart as He gently reminded me of the purpose for which He gave Tom and me these precious lives—to love and care for them, to train them up in His ways, to encourage them to love Him with all their hearts, and to serve Him and do His will.

Once again, in obedience, I committed their young lives to God. I was overwhelmed with a great peace and knew that God was guiding them. He would take care of them when I couldn’t. Still, temporary worries would creep in as the time for their departure and ours drew nearer. God was faithful to help me release each worry to Him, and it eventually became easier and easier to release them into His hands.

Now, we are a family of five living on four continents. And, like the mother eagle who teaches her eaglets to soar and then releases them and watches from below, my role is to watch and pray. I like to think that Tom and I have taught them to fly, and I can take comfort, knowing that as I watch and pray, our Heavenly Father is teaching them to soar to heights that we could never have imagined.