She was referring to the longing I sometimes show to have all my children home together and the mixed feelings I have as each child spreads their wings and leaves the nest. I suppose I want to freeze moments in time but then they would never grow up or get older. And that isn't what I want.
She is right. To grow and move on we must leave where we were in some way shape or form. It is called becoming. And when we do it in light and truth, it is called growth. It is called progress.
Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden to grow, to learn how to be like our Father in Heaven. Each on of us left the Heavenly Home to come to earth. We leave our earthly parents to form eternal family units, the most thrilling, challenging, truly magnificent adventure of all. Evidently we must be willing to leave behind conditions and places to make choices that help us become something. I've seen it. I've felt it. In my small corner, as my children come back after missions and college, there is so much more to share, there is so much more meaning and substance to the family table. So with courage I throw open the doors and say “Fly!” “Grow!” “Become!” And we will pray with you every step of the way.
Knowing that growth is for each one of us, I wonder, symbolically, what thoughts or beliefs must I leave behind to grow now? What is keeping me in Neverland emotionally or spiritually? Do I shrink back from opportunities outside my comfort zone, such as reaching out to others? Do I have fears or doubts that hold me back? Am I in a Neverland that inhibits growth?
Perhaps I’m not moving in a university dorm this weekend, but I can begin to learn and grow in ways similar to my daughter. New beginnings are for everyone who believes in the Atonement of Christ and His capacity to lift and bless. And God is willing to help us leave behind what doesn't serve us well and help us become like Him.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
-2 Corinthians 5:17
