To God be the glory. We sent out our first arrow in August -- only to find that the arrow, while flying strong and straight, was not enjoying the flight. John Jr. has found the isolation of New York City and a stark contrast to all he has grown up with, and has been valiantly fighting to press on. He appreciates the faculty and the classes and the mission of this brave little school. But living conditions are nearly unbearable.

So now our boy has a tough choice to make, and the choice is between him and the Lord. We have chosen not to intervene.

This is a new place for us. And the Lord has been extremely gracious in dealing with us. He has listened to the prayers of His people and has made both the option to stay and the option to come home more palatable for John. He did not have to do that. That is the hand of a gracious God, who knows his frame and meets him there.

Before, both options were oppressively bad in John's eyes: to stay meant agony and loneliness, to come home meant to give up any decent educational opportunities. But on Sunday, God showed us the option of many online classes with Patrick Henry College -- and allowed us to discover these one day before the application deadline. And then on Monday, He planted the desire in a dear friend to do a semester at The King's College this spring.

So now, the Lord has lightened the burden that weighs on John. He still has a choice to make. It still is not easy. But the lies that could flood the mind and cloud our thinking have been dispelled. God is not a harsh father, demanding that you do the thing you hate and caring nothing about your wants. God is a loving father, whose plan for His glory intersects perfectly with His plan for your good.

I can trust God with my son.