First day

Today was all of our first day back to school for the 2017-18 school year. Well actually I have been back for a few weeks, but it is my students' first day back so it counts!  I knew going in that this would be a rough one for us all. Since we tend to have the same first days back, Josh has always taken the back to school pictures and driven them to school. Since I have to go to work so early on my first day, the kids spent the night at my sister's house so she could take them in the morning. Last night was tough as the realization that daddy wouldn't be taking them really set in.  Rocking them in my sister's big old rocking chair singing the same songs I sang them as babies to still their fears and tears, I once again sang of "I love you Lord" and "When I am afraid, I will trust in you". Singing, praying, and crying with them as we rocked and hugged and cuddled grieving together. For how else do you comfort your now child size baby whose hearts are breaking.
 And yet, with the morning came the excitement, nervousness and joy of meeting new teachers, seeing favorite friends and reveling in being another year older in school. Their smiles of delight brightened my soul as my sister sent me pictures of their smiling faces. The stories of first day fun brought relief and reminders that with each day there is pain but also joy in the present and just around the corner. Praising God for this new school year and praying they grow in knowing and loving God more intimately and deeply, maturing in social and emotional ways, developing even more loving friendships... along with learning all the reading, writing and arithmetic!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13