First Day At A New School

I look back at my life and remember how many times I had to start new schools…..how many times I had to make new friends all over again.  My parents worked for the government, and like the military, they moved a lot.  (Now mother, before you start getting upset about thinking how traumatized of a life I had, look at where all of these schools eventually lead me.  If we wouldn’t have ended up at Northwest Rankin High School, I wouldn’t have ended up watching a baseball game in Columbus, Ohio…..and we are know what that lead to.)

With that being said, the boys started their first day at their new school today.  We found out officially about 4:30 yesterday afternoon that they were enrolled…..so last night was once again pretty hectic….trying to get last-minute school supplies and the new school uniforms that they would need for today.  As they went to bed, my oldest son was pretty excited, but nervous….and the younger, more dramatic child was terrified.

Fast forward to this afternoon when mommy picked them up……the youngest said it was the best school ever….the oldest, well he still isn’t so sure.  I will tell you that mommy is pretty excited about the way they have car line down to a science….its like a well oiled machine, well somewhat oiled since it is just the first day.

But whether it is a new school, a new job, a new church….or even a new gym, we all get nervous when its time to go somewhere for the first time.  It’s really easy to say, don’t worry about it….just go….have fun….meet new people, make new friends.  But when you are in that situation it always seems way harder that it really is.

Jesus said, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink;  nor for your body, as to what you will put on.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing.  And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?  So do not worry about tomorrow;  for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:25, 27, 34.)”

(As I’m writing this my oldest is reading over my shoulder, and I had him read that last verse especially……because that last verse….those short 20 words can change your life.)

I know people who worry and stress about everything…..I mean everything.  Life is too short to spend it worrying all the time.  We can’t control everything….in fact I think I’ve said this here before….we really don’t control anything when we think about it.  But I guess it’s the semblance of control, or lack their of, that gives us that peace and comfort that we so desire.

I find my comfort these days in Jesus Christ…..and I’m proud to say that.  For so long I didn’t distance myself, but never had the relationship that I should have had.  Like the Psalms says, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1.)”

So as I send my oldest off to bed, I think, I could be wrong, but I think he is ready for tomorrow.  For you can never have a first day of school again…..because tomorrow will be the second…so we move forward and grow.  And the next day will be the third so we gain a little more strength so we can make it to the next….when our confidence begins to grow.  It’s a process, like anything else….and I know my boys will do fine.

I pray that you can all find the peace and comfort you are looking for as you start a new beginning….or even just a new day.  I pray that we turn towards God for strength, and not within ourselves.  He is here for us….I pray we don’t ignore Him when we need Him the most.