Launching

Over the past three weeks families all across the nation, and many right here in our own congregation have shared a similar experience. They have moved a son or daughter into a college dorm or apartment…and have driven away.

I personally delighted in the many Facebook posts with moms and dads, and younger brothers and sisters posing with the brand new college freshman, in her or his newly decorated dorm room. Smiles, grimaces, and college colors abounding.

What you don’t see on Facebook? The drive away.

The seemingly endless stream of tears. The raw emotion.
The wads of Kleenex stuffed in the console.
The gut-wrenching loss of words for one spouse to offer in consolation to another.

Welcome to the launching years.
These years of transition can bring about an onslaught of emotion.
No doubt, this is where it has all been heading. This is the goal. To launch.
But even the healthiest and most prepared parents can find themselves unprepared for the impact this change in life brings.

That is why I want to invite you to a special gathering.
Next Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. during JCBC Midstream, I will lead a special one-time session for parents in the launching years.

Whether your child is a first year college student, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, or you are the parent of a High School Senior and you are already feeling the tug of emotions as you fill out applications and make campus visits, this meeting is for you.

We will be addressing the wide range of predictable issues parents in your stage face. We will talk about how to cope with the changes, draw strength from healthy practices, and begin the very necessary process of renegotiating your relationship with your young adult children.

This session is intended to be one of comfort and encouragement. That is why we also welcome to this gathering those of you who may have recently made this sojourn and lived to tell about it.

We will meet in the Senior High Youth Suite at 6:00 p.m.
Kleenex will be provided at no charge.

By God’s Good Grace,

Shaun King
Senior Pastor
Johns Creek Baptist Church