In a few weeks I will watch my second child graduate high school and leave home (at least for extended periods of time)—and to be honest, I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I am little anxious that she will now be handling life on her own. But on the other hand, I recognize that, in a sense, this has been the point all along!

We raise our children as best we can—guiding them, instructing them, protecting them—all in an effort to get them to that time when they are finally ready and able to face the world on their own.

And while it may sound shocking to hear a parent admit this, I believe that part of the process includes teaching our children to take risks—not foolish risks for the sake of a dare … but the kind of risks that are necessary for continued growth and development. After all, if we never stretch ourselves and venture out into uncharted territory, our lives tend to become stagnant and sterile.

Indeed, as Christians, we know that faith itself is something of a risk. The life of a disciple has never been well suited for safe harbors and island fortresses. Christ keeps calling us to follow—even when we are not always sure where the path will take us.

The last thing that I would want for my own child is that she would be so frightened of making a mistake, or failing at something, that she would remain confined in her tiny comfort zone and never attempt anything new. What I hope I have conveyed to her over the years is a sense that she will be loved no matter what … and that in the security of that love she can take risks, challenge herself, and perhaps discover things that she never dreamed she would be able to accomplish.

The same is true for us as well. As God’s children, we can venture forth in faith—taking risks, exploring challenges, and trying new things—because we are secure in a love that will never let us go … and which is always walking before us … beckoning us onward!