A Blessing for Anna on Her Return Home from College

 
Late nights and tearful goodbyes at Scripps.
A mad dash to the finish.
She’s made it home—at least for now.
But truth be told, we’re not ready.
Not ready for how quickly it went.
Not ready for what it means, this ending and beginning all at once.
We’re still holding on to the wonder of it:
four years of becoming—
of deep friendships,
hard questions, and soul searching,
late-night laughter and early-morning papers,
long hikes and joy-filled dances,
new cities, new ideas, new versions of herself.
She found her voice. She found her people.
She grew, and she stretched, and she became.
And now she’s here—both familiar and changed—
and we don’t quite know what to say.
The beauty. The freedom. The ache. The pride.
God, could you help us hold it gently?
Help us bless the ending without rushing the next chapter?
And help us, as her people,
to make space for her to return—
to open our arms not to the old rhythms,
but to the new life she brings home with her.
May she rest tonight knowing she has done something incredible.
May she feel the strength of all she carries,
and may the road ahead rise
to meet her curiosity,
her courage, her calling.
And may she always remember:
whatever was done in love will remain.