Learning to Step Back

I used to think I would never send my daughter anywhere as a teenager unless I went with her. Even when she became a young adult, I imagined being by her side. I wanted to stay close—to protect her, guide her, and always be there.

A Lesson from Two Trees

One Sabbath morning, during the quiet break between our group Bible study and our church service, I walked around the parking lot, praying. The sun was shining, the sky was clear, and the trees were full and green.

Then I noticed two trees: one tall and strong, the other a small sapling growing right beside it. In that moment, the Lord spoke to my heart:

“These two trees are like you and your daughter. The smaller tree is planted too close to the larger one. It cannot get enough sunlight, water, or space. If you keep your daughter under