My youngest heads back for her final semester of college today after being home for Christmas break. I was blessed with everyone home for a few days together.

A full house and a very full heart.

My house will now be quiet again. There won’t be cups and plates all over, every light left on, and the TV remote will once again be in my hands. Our dishwasher won’t run twice a day, we won’t jockey for the best seat on the couch, my fridge will stay stocked, and our hot water won’t run out.

All the chaos we secretly love as parents.

The silence now will be louder than the mess ever was, but my heart will stay full knowing they are out chasing what they are meant to find.

And what is meant to find them.

As each of my kids leave, I quietly say the same simple prayer…

✨ Please, world, be kind to them.
Be gentle when they are tired.
Be patient when they are learning.
Surround them with good people.
Protect their hearts, guide their steps, and remind them how deeply they are loved. ✨

And when they miss home — because I know they will at some point — remind them that home misses them too. Always.

Home will always be ready to welcome them back.

Lights on.
Door open.
Fridge full.
Love unchanged.