Take a moment to look at the leaves and feel the warm air. I wonder . . . what does the end of summer mean to you? What does it mean for you?
For parents and children, it means “back to school.” But the word “back” is deceiving–like a new school year is same old, same old. It’s actually startlingly new; new classes, new people, new teachers, new material, new expectations; and every few years, at least, totally new buildings. Just this morning I saw my oldest off to her first day of high school–a new school in a different town where she doesn’t know anyone yet. Be of good courage, I whispered. Be of good courage, says our sacred scriptures, again and again.
These are days when the youngest of us are being asked to step boldly into new spaces. It takes a courage we adults generally don’t have to muster–at least not every year.
Our church school community has a lot of first days of kindergarten in the next week–ten by my count. What a huge moment. (Say a prayer for T, T, G, C, J, K, K, L, MK and S!) Even more of our children are headed to new middle schools, and first days of high school this week and next.
We’ve already wished Godspeed to H, M, L and E, and sent them with our love and blessings off to college.
Wow. Are these guys brave or what. Be of good courage, friends. We love you!
Let’s support these children of ours–with prayer, with love, and with encouragement. And let’s be inspired by them. Where might you be asked to step boldly in this new season? Be of good courage. You are held in the love of God and the love of this community.
~Bryn
