How an Eight-year-old thinks

Recently while our family was in the van driving somewhere we began talking about a boy in our small group who is a senior in high-school and headed to college in the fall.  We mentioned that he’s going to CU Boulder and will be a few hours away from home.  As the conversation continued, it was clear that James thought this boy’s whole family would be moving to Boulder along with him.  James truly believed that when a child goes off to college, the whole family goes too!  

We gently explained that typically just the child will “go off to college” and the family continues living where they are.  I turned around in my seat and watched James’ face fall as this sank in.  Right now in his eight-year-old mind he can’t fathom leaving us and I love that about him.  I told him that while that seems a little scary now, one day when it’s time for college he’d probably be ready to go out on his own.  

James continued that he’ll probably go to UCCS, one of the local colleges in town so he’ll be closer to home.  Kenny replied, “That would probably make your mom very happy, but you may decide to go farther from home one day, and that’s ok!”  

Such a sweet conversation.  One I will probably remember as we’re dropping him at college in 10 years.  Lord, prepare my heart for that day!  I’m so glad we have 18 years with our children to work up to that point!  Saying goodbye at kindergarten was hard enough.  May God grant our family grace as our children grow and we continue to learn how to let go.  

One thought on “How an Eight-year-old thinks

  1. Oh, my, I wonder where this idea came from? Such a great conversation…we love reading these! Thanks!

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