The kids started school yesterday. Dad was taking vacation time so he was home and the day began with his smoothies and his famous-amazing-stupendous egg sandwiches. The kids dressed quickly – Madison in her new outfit with the splurged-on matching purse. Both chattered with that nervous-excitement that comes with a new school year.
In record-time, they were ready. Teeth brushed, bellies full, backpacks at the ready, fresh new supplies already dropped off at school, coolest duds picked out. They were ready – physically. And, yet, one thing remained.
The heart preparation.
I sent them off to their rooms to grab Bible and journal. They needed time with the One who understands their nervous hearts and deepest longings. This preparation would be more important than fashionable knee socks or super cool skateboards or a special Dad-made breakfast.
And in that place they laid all their cares at the feet of Him who loves them with an everlasting love. All the insecurities and questions: Will it matter that some of my friends are in the other class now? What if the new girl that I sat by just isn’t interested in being friends? Will my teacher really like me? What if third grade is too hard? Will past mistakes haunt me?
Oh, to just unload those burdens and be reminded of the things that really matter. The One who really matters.
Earlier that morning, I had wrestled with the mommy version of the same questions. The questions that plague me as I evaluate the summer. Did I use our time well? Are the kids ready for a new year? How am I doing in my nurturing of these two? And what about this new year – am I involved enough at the school? Do their friends like coming here? Do their friends’ parents think we’re weird because we love Jesus so much? What if I’m not a good mom? How will I best spend my moments while they’re away?
I too had to unload those burdens and focus my attention on the One who gives me true significance and satisfies the deep places of my soul.
I need those times as much as the kids do. The day-to-day floods in and it’s just so easy to forget.
I don’t want to forget.
