On a Wing and a Prayer

At just about this moment, Boy#2 is getting on an airplane to fly halfway across the country. This is as close to a business trip as a college kid takes, one of those fork-in-the-road journeys that have the potential to decide a life direction.

So in addition to making sure his shampoo is in a three-ounce bottles and that he doesn't miss his plane, Two will be reminding himself to be friendly but not fawning, smart but not insufferable, confident but not arrogant, curious but not irritating. It's a lot to think about.

"Have a good time. Be safe. I'm praying for you," I e-mailed him this morning, and all day I've been doing just that. I've learned when I pray for my children that format goes out the window. These aren't prayers in block style that begin "Dear God," are left-justified through four paragraphs, and end "Very truly yours." This is simply whispering Two's name and linking it with God's presence.

Of course, there's no need to remind God where Two is and what he's doing; this prayer's purpose is to remind me where God is and what He's doing: Today He's on an airplane, and He's in control.