First Day of School 2014

    

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:33-34

     I have been excited about having both girls back on the same campus for a long time!  Just thinking about one PTA meeting a month, one place to focus my efforts, one set of calendar dates...it's all very freeing in a way.  I've been conflicted with the "no more elementary school kids" thing for a while but thought I'd be over it quickly.  Not true...
 
     Yesterday was my first day of school with my 3rd grade class.  Being a teacher is so much fun, and we get the same "First Day Jitters" as the kiddos.  (Great book I might add too!) Yesterday flooded me with emotions as I walked out to greet my class and saw all the parents mingling, watching their kids from afar or trying to peel them off their own legs, while the kids kicked and screamed their way to the Kindergarten or 1st grade line.  I was sad realizing that wouldn't be the same vibe on the middle school campus for my daughters' first day of school.  It was my first year not having an elementary schooler, and I felt caught off guard  (not the best way to start my own school year with a fresh set of eager faces).
     Today, was HUGE!  Not to anyone else but me...(or maybe to all those moms across the country whose youngest was starting middle school today too).
     Taylor starts her day about 40 minutes earlier than anyone else to receive her Braille tutoring.  Her teacher is amazing and wanted to start on the first day of school.  I thought this would be fantastic, and I'd even get to see Miss Jamie before the new year officially got underway.  Instead, I drove to the curb, got the girls out of the car and loaded up with backpacks, P.E. clothes, and all Taylor's additional materials (cane and BrailleNote) to start the day.  I was just about to take a step toward campus when Lauren says, "We got it, Mom.  I'll walk Taylor to class.  I know where we're going."
     "Um, OK.  Bye.  Have a great day.  Love you!"  That's what came out, but inside I was thinking, "Um, nope.  I'm going to meet Miss Jamie, make sure you're at the right door, and wait until a student or two arrives...then I'll leave before you are completely embarrassed by your MOM... But today is my day too!"  (How glad am I that that didn't come out????)
     I was so proud and scared and nervous and excited at the same time.  They are becoming more independent.  That opened up a whole other can of fears and anxieties I didn't even realize were there.  Why am I thinking about next year and the years ahead when today had enough to worry about?
     Another thought came to mind a little later in the day.  God...He prepares us for what He wants us to accomplish. He doesn't throw us out there right away.  He prepares us one step at a time for what will be growth and opportunity for growing...if we just take those little steps one at a time.
     The last view of the girls walking hand-in-hand today was breathtaking.  I saw a beautiful picture of them working together and walking together.  I also saw how God gently guides us alongside us to take those steps into new adventures.