Graduation time is in full swing…and I am feeling old!

My daughter, Lauren, is graduating from high school this week and it doesn’t seem possible. All my life, I’ve heard other parents say: “Kids grow up too fast. One day you’ll see what I mean.” Well, I am there now—and I definitely see what they meant.

This is where most parents would start bragging about how smart, talented and beautiful their daughter is… but not me. (Even though she is graduating with honors and makes her daddy proud as a peacock.)

Most parents would whip out their photos just to prove they’re telling you the truth… not me, no sir. (See photo of Lauren on this page!)

Other dads would probably boast about all of her awards, scholarships and college interests…but I’m not like them. (Yes, she received numerous awards, scholarships and was accepted into Marshall University!)

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m just like those other parents. In fact, I’m one of them!

Not only do I feel older having a daughter that’s graduating this year but I’m a little nervous, too. For the first time she’ll be stepping out on her own and I can’t help but wonder: did we do enough?

The Bible instructs us in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Many Olympic champions started their training at a very young age. The same is true of many successful musicians, singers, athletes, etc. My wife, Crystal, and I have tried our best to teach both of our children the right way to live according to God’s Word. But now, as Lauren takes this giant step into adulthood, it can be kind of scary.

I realize there may be other parents feeling the same way I do as they watch their pride and joy walk down the aisle, receive their diploma, and set out to find their own way in the world.

Psalm 127:3, 4 tell us: “Children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.” These verses remind us that God is the giver of life and that our children ultimately belong to Him.

As parents, we do not know what the future holds for our children. But if God gave them to us then He will be faithful to watch over them. The only thing we are required to do is point them in the right direction, release them as arrows toward God’s target…and He will take care of the rest!

Doug Johnson is the senior pastor of Bethel Temple Assembly of God in Huntington, W.Va., and a Chesapeake resident.