And so … we begin again.
Quite a contrast to where we were standing a year ago. A year ago, our nerves were raw with anticipation and expectation for the beginning of a new academic year. New school; new teachers; new friends; new everything. Brother handled the transition better than sister. She couldn’t even eat her breakfast a year ago. Today? A big bowl of Cookie Crisp and smiles to go around.
What’s the difference? Why the shift from stress to relief, not just for our baby girl but for all of us on this beginning day of the school year?
One reason. The once “new and unfamiliar” feels more like “old and familiar.” Like habit. Like routine. Like safety. A previous year’s worth of education in a new school has earned our trust, and all of us are better prepared for the learning that is sure to take place in the upcoming year.
As my children enter into their 4th and 5th grade classrooms this morning, they do so with confidence. Alongside them, I re-enter my own classroom. I haven’t a clue what the curriculum will include this year, but I’m willing (like my children) to strap on my book bag, pack my lunch, and sharpen my pencils. Several years’ worth of education in the classroom of life has earned my trust, and my confidence rests solely on the Teacher behind the lectern. I pray not a minute wasted and for a teachable heart willing to receive and apply the instruction from the Father’s heart.
Old and familiar, yet new and necessary. Like habit. Like routine. Like safety.
Even so, Lord Jesus, I come to the classroom today. Show me your heart. Teach me your ways. Strengthen my frame. Lengthen my days. The curriculum belongs to you; the learning belongs to me. Humbly I submit my mind, heart, and soul into your loving tutelage. Amen.
What incredibly sweet pictures, Elaine. And I add my "amen" to your prayer. (I can't believe school is starting so early!?!?)
That's my prayer too as dear son starts back to school next week. I've been in a valley of sorts without a lot to say…not here at my blog or to people in general. I'm sensing a need to sit at the feet of Jesus for some "Mary" time.
I agree with Rebecca. The pictures are so sweet!
Love the pics…hooray for a new school year! Enjoy your day, sweet friend.
Darling, wouldn't it be easier if we could get a report card in our life learning?
Elaine's Report Card
Survivor A+
Sister in Christ A+
Emotional Swings A+
Love you and know that you passed last year with straight A's and have been promoted to this "new" year. Now, you are able to be a tutor to those who need to get through your last year.
I can't imagine what you have been through in the last year, but I can guess that with all the different things that your body has been through that there are hormonal imbalances that you are experiencing. Some days I just have to remind myself, "Be nice to Sheri today." Getting through one day at a time. Even though it may not feel like it, you will move on from this roller coaster… and you will be even stronger and more courageous and even more dependent on our Lord Jesus Christ.
Much love!
This is a BEAUTIFUL set of pictures! We are so proud of all of you!
Love,
R&B
We never really stop learning, Elaine. You are so right in what you wrote. God has a schoolroom tailormade that is unique for each of us. And we do value how you share with us the many personal lessons you are learning.
The pictures of your children are so precious. They are growing so fast! Your children are learning so much from your own life as they watch you.
Love
Lidj
So much truth here. And adorable pictures. Praying you ALL (and we all) continue learning. Love you, dear Elaine.
what beautiful children you have! I love the thought that today is just a classroom. Making your prayer my prayer today!
seems like just yesterday they were starting new at school.
i love this analogy, elaine. i want a teachable heart like you.
xo
Wow! Unbelievable! How they have grown since we last saw them! They are so precious in their innocence. And you are precious with your words. We continue each day with our learning of God's holy word. We really miss you all! Hope we all have a great year in our learning.
Blessings to all.
Karen B.
May God bless you, and your precious children as you all enter your new class rooms. I love you.
How neat to see such brotherly/sisterly love! Or did you have to bribe them to get these pictures? 🙂
Seriously, hope they have a great school year — and all of us as well as we sit under the Father's teaching. (By the way, thanks for the reminder that we are all still students!)
Two precious children ! Enjoy this time while they are little! As you well know from your older two, time goes by too fast !! You're such a good Mama !!!
Much love my friend!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
May we all remain teachable, no matter our age.
Elaine, I was thinking the same thing about our children – now that we've lived where we are, with a year under out belt, friends already made, and schools familiar, it will be a much easier year.
Praying for your precious children today~
Much love…
Jennifer
Good morning! How adorable your kids are there on their first day of school. Soo glad this will be a much easier year for them. YAY!! And yes, I sense for me too there is much to learn this year, and I am ready. Hope you have a good day. HUGS
Your children are beautiful. I, too, am at the Father's feet, surrendering to Him, knowing He knows what's best for me.
Yesterday I had a colonoscopy and the last thing I said as I was losing awareness was, "I trust in you, Father, to watch over me, the doctor and the technicians." Not sure the anesthesiologist got God's memo because I screamed, three times, in agony until they finally gave me enough "juice" to really put me out.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
What wonderfully innocent photos Elaine, and a lovely post as well.
When we open our hearts and minds to our Heavenly Father's lessons, the classroom becomes more than familiar, it becomes our home. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Great post and darling kids!
Yes, Lord! Continue to teach me each day! I am open to your lessons and guidance. Amen.
Blessings to you and your sweet family, Elaine!
Joan
Hi Elaine,
It's that time of year again. Just today my baby (nearly 16!) sat on the carpet and sorted out all her school supplies, packing them into her backpack in preparation for her first day next week. It's a fun time, but as you pointed out, the learning never ends.
And neither does God's grace. For that, I'm truly grateful.
Your kids are adorable!
Hugs to you, my sweet She Speaks friend!
P.S. I love sister sheri's report card for you! :0
My prayer is that I never feel I can not be "taught"….for me, I am in a learning process, ever changing, adapting, accepting…sometimes not so willingly but knowing it's necessary (does that make any sense?!?!?) :o)
3 of my grandsons will start new schools this year due to moving/relocations…the oldest being in the 5th grade. I pray they will not be fearful,especially him who is a sensitive boy already.
Blessings to you and yours as you start a new school year!
~Beth~
I am past the years of my sons returning to school – but I am never too old to enter God's classroom. I have been feeling lately like He's got new stuff for me to learn – I have that frustrated, discouraged, yet hopeful feeling like things are about to change. So, Elaine – I'm going to put on my backpack, too!
Your kids are adorable, and may God give them a richly blessed year of fun and learning and friendship!
And thanks for your wonderful message – I am always blessed here.
GOD BLESS!
Elaine, you are such a precious person. The Lord loves you much!:) I'm praying that you all have a great year of schooling this year! Lord knows I need it too:)
Blessings and ((HUGS)) to you tonight Elaine:)
Amen Elaine…the classroom of my life has seen lots of new, familiar and some difficulties where I couldn't "eat my breakfast" either but the one constant has been that I'm not in the classroom alone. The Good Teacher, the Lord, has been with me every step of the way.
His Holy Spirit helps me to study and live out what I've learned. Abba Father comforts and encourages me through it all and my Jesus walks with me every day as I walk through the classroom door and back into life.
Whatever I face, GOD is with me.
Beautiful prayer. Beautiful children. I pray it's a great school year for them and for you…and for me and mine.
Blessings and peace!
Lisa
wifeforthejourney:
How I long for a since of stability and deeper roots for us all. With the passing of first year here, and the start of year two, I suppose we can't call this our "new" home anymore. That is ok. Certainly we have been in need of some security after the year we have had, and no one has needed that security more than our children.
As we settle into the beginnings of year two, I pray that the growing ease and confidence of our little ones will make its way into the hearts of the grown-ups in the house. We are long past due for feeling at home in our "used-to-be-new" home.
Great expectations and love,
~ Billy
What precious pictures! I pray this school year will be filled with much love, laughter, learning and special memories for your family!
Sweet blessings~
Cindy 🙂