When I moved away from home, I was no longer physically close to my parents. I had much more freedom of choice. I was no longer as reliant on them or had as much contact.My choices and experiences where my own.

My parents were always there when I needed them, even if I no longer physically lived with them. I knew they cared about me and watched over me. I would still call and talk to them and get advice from them.

Life wasn’t as easy. I had to figure out how to do all my own chores, get along and live with people who weren’t my family, shop for myself, and take care of my finances. I wasn’t at all perfect: I made plenty of mistakes. But by being by myself, I was able to learn a bunch and grow more than if I would have remained at my parents’ house.

Maybe it is the same with God. So when I struggle and wonder where God is, I can know that maybe He isn’t right beside me but He does watch over me.