Rejoicing in the Unknown
Posted on May 17, 2022 by Shari Van Baale
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.” (John 14:26-29)
This week’s Gospel reminds me of parents letting their children go. As we approach this graduation season, parents might feel a little like Jesus. They have taught their kids all they can and know they must let them go.
It describes the Holy Spirit as a teacher, much like we teach our children. We spend 18 years teaching them all we can about the world, about life, and how to survive. Though we are with them in their thoughts, once they “leave the nest” and fly on their own, we are not with them physically on a day-to-day basis.
Jesus had been with the disciples every day, as their teacher and friend. Now it was time for him to move on, to go to the Father. But he will give them the gift of the Holy Spirit to constantly guide them on their daily path.
This reminds me of the way your words and guidance stay with your children, even though you are not with them. They hear your voice in their head guiding them in their everyday life. Just like the Holy Spirit, they can choose whether to listen or do their own thing, but you stay with them throughout their life even if you are not physically together.
He tells them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Graduation and moving on can be a scary time for both parents and children. The fear of the unknown can be great, and anxiety about the future can take over for everyone.
The world can be a scary place. The unknown can be fearful, whether it is a job, college, or moving out. But it can also be a time to rejoice, as the end of the scripture says. If you remember that God is with you always, it can be much less scary.
Shari Van Baale
Salem Communications Coordinator