Stepping Heavenward - Google Books

"One morning she seemed almost gone, and we knelt around her with bursting
hearts, to commend her parting soul to Him in whose arms we were about to place
her. But it seemed as if all He asked of us was to come to that point, for then
He gave her back to us, and she is still ours, only seven fold dearer. I was so
thankful to see dear Ernest's faith triumphing over his heart, and making him
so ready to give up even this little lamb without a word. Yes, we will give our
children to Him if he asks for them. He shall never have to snatch them from us
by force."

Stepping Heavenward - Google Books

This describes very well how I feel about my son going into the Marines.

Background: Leading up to this scene, Katy talks about how women are apt to love our husbands and children to the point that this love often times replaces our love for God in our hearts. They become idols.

I know I am guilty of that too. Now with one my sweet sons preparing to leave us for the military, I find myself asking myself, "How am I going to survive this? How am I going to let him go?" So I've prayed without ceasing that God would be my strength and my comfort and that I would be able to bring glory to Him during this life-changing event in the history of my family. And God has been faithful for He has calmed me and given me peace as I cling to Him.

This passage from Stepping Heavenward, although it is describes how the parents thought their precious daughter was about to die after an extended illness, really strikes me. Especially so because after praying and preparing for my son's impending departure in mid-July, we received news that boot camp is overcrowded and his new leave date has been extended to the end of August. We have eight more weeks with him and he now can join us for our annual family beach vacation!

If I replace the pronouns and names it very nearly describes my situation and how I desire to react in it.

One morning he almost seemed gone (My son was due to leave in a matter of days) and we knelt around him with hearts bursting, to commend his parting soul to Him into whose arms we were about to place him. But it seemed as if all He asked of us was to come to that point, for then He gave him back to us (even for eight more weeks) and he is still ours only seven fold dearer. I was so thankful to see dear Wayne's (as well as mine) faith triumphing over his heart so ready to give up even this little lamb without a word. Yes, we will give our children to Him if He asks for them. He will never have to snatch them from us by force. (This is my prayer.)

I know we are not giving our son to the military nor the government; we are giving Him to the One who made him, who loves him and who takes care of him. The One who has numbered the hairs on his head and has a future and a hope planned for our son. (This is my blessed assurance)

Praising my Savior all the day long.....