The Kids are Back in School!

One week down and no major incidents yet…YES! Its September and people all across the country have gone back to school. From 4 year olds taking their first foray into an education system that will shape them in ways their parents never imagined, to adults who are returning to education after time working. No matter how you look at it, September is all about firsts, even though it's the ninth month of the year! Yet, amidst the quieter homes and the busy classrooms there are other emotions too. I can remember the first days of both my children. For one it was a casual glance back followed by a bold leap in to the breach. For the other it was more like the first swim in spring when you dip your toe in to see if the water is warm enough yet to make the plunge. It seems to me that these two reactions, as well as a multitude in between, form a continuum of expression that continues through our lives. There are for each of us moments when we just jump in…sometimes feet first…other times, if we're really excited…head long. There are also times when we're more tentative about engaging in new experiences and so we take more of a stand back, wait and see attitude. Both are equally valid approaches for encountering new experiences and, depending on our life's journey, how comfortable and how often we opt for each one, or something in between, will be different for each person.

Maybe though, September isn't so much about firsts as it is about change - changes that open whole new vistas of possibilities, even if those possibilities frighten us and cause us to wonder what God has in store for us this time. Yet no matter how scary September and changes are two things you can count on are that: 1) October will come and what was new and terrifying won't be quite so bad anymore and 2) that God through Christ and by the Spirit walks that journey with us – no matter how scary or horrible or off putting or doubt filled we are – God is right there with us.

So as September moves right along, as it always does, say a prayer for all those experiencing changes this fall and don't forget to pray for all those parents/spouses/families who experience the same range of emotions as the ones going to school.