Four short months ago, I packed my bags, told my siblings goodbye and, after numerous hugs, left my hometown to move to Omaha, Nebraska. Four short months ago, my parents took me out to breakfast, told me they would miss me, and drove away. Four short months ago, I was left on my own, for the first time in my life.

As a freshman in college, the thought of adjusting to not having my parents around was daunting.  Not only would I miss my mom’s listening ear and my dad’s ability to lighten up any situation, but I knew I would miss their gentle guidance and constant encouragement in my daily life.  For years, I had depended on my parents to help me with decisions and offer sound advice. Now, I knew the advice they would offer would be significantly decreased, while the number of tough situations I would encounter would be skyrocketing. I was scared.

I knew right away that since I would be unable to depend on my mother and father for constant parenting, I’d have to look to a different source for guidance. My support system couldn’t follow me everywhere, and it was time for me to decide whom to follow for myself.

Today, Mary and Joseph seem to be in the same predicament I was in as I started my college career.  They are on a journey to a foreign place, and their friends and family have been left behind. These new parents were told by God to leave for Egypt, to an unknown place where they have no connections.  What amazes me is that they listened. They left Bethlehem without the opportunity to consult even their parents or close friends; they simply trusted God, and were willing to leave everything they knew to do His will. This may be bold, but I’m going to bet that they didn’t have cell phone, Skype or even Facebook access back then.  They had to depend on Him throughout their time in Egypt. They had to truly let God become their Father.

We all have times in our lives when we have to make a critical decision: Whom to follow? Whose advice to trust? It seems to me there can be no better answer to this question than to turn to our Heavenly Father, who loves us just like a parent, except better: His love is unconditional.

So today, and throughout the Christmas season, let us give thanks that we are never really left on our own: the Lord is always with us, waiting for us to turn to Him for guidance, with love, and to let Him truly be “Our Father.”

Merry Christmas.