I'm alone in my house for the first time in months. Everyone in the family has returned to school and I am left here to ponder some of the meanest, thickest cobwebs I've ever seen! It's very quiet but there's an undercurrent of concern and even anxiety. My eldest started high school today. He admitted he's a bit nervous. It's a really big (REALLY BIG) school and there are REALLY BIG kids that go there. My middle one worked his tail off this summer in summer school so he could earn a spot in a coveted art course and came to find out yesterday that the class meets at the same time as band so, although he earned his spot, he can't take it. Summer school took a lot of energy and he didn't finish his summer reading and summer math assignments until this morning! Add to that, he's at a new school as well! The youngest is at the top of the heap in elementary school this year but has a brand new teacher. She's worried about things like people liking her and student government and how one accomplishes the task of being well liked without being "a Mean Girl". Rod is dealing with all kinds of new things at work and a rush to get ready. It's all a lot to be anxious about and if I worry, I can see how it might all go down like a ship in a storm!
A shipwreck in a storm was the topic of my reading this morning in the peace and quiet of my kitchen. Acts 27 describes Paul's terrible shipwreck as he traveled to Rome for an audience with Caesar. While shipwrecked on Malta, Paul survived a poisonous snake bite so he could heal the sick (which I'm sure drew the natives to God during the three months he stayed with them). While in Rome, he spent two years welcoming everyone who came to visit, explaining everything about Jesus Christ and urgently presenting all matters of the kingdom of God (Acts 28). True to form, Paul was totally about God's business which was precisely why God saw to it that he was spared when the ship went down.
As we were discussing all the school issues the other day, I reminded the kids that if their only desire in school was to be popular or well liked, they would be miserable. School is their Malta- their Rome. Paul wasn't necessarily popular or well liked, but he did have friends, was safe, and content. And friends, safety, and contentment are huge when you're facing poisonous snakes, mighty rulers, and confused, hurting people.
Now to face those cobwebs...
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5 comments:
Welcome back (again...it's about time) :) What an appropriate blog for the beginning of a school year; and your wise words of wisdom apply to all of us...young and old, school kids and adult employees. Thanks for sharing.
Aunt Jodi is a lot like her niece and nephews. She is also starting a new school and grade and a little terrified. Thanks for the blog!
Thanks for the blog. I think all mothers and wives feel like this. my daughter has started a new Nursing program this year. Which is an 1 1/2 away. and has moved there.And having some trouble with some of the teachers due to her hearing impairment My son has decide not to return to High Point but will attend VCU. Which is here in town. But will be moving to his own apartment. So now we will be offical empty nesters. Sure they come and visit . And wash clothes eat dinner with you. But it's not the same. New exciting beginnings. But you still want to keep them safe. And you hope you having giving them everything they need to make it in the real world. And John is going through a hard time at work. I need to read what your reading . Is it Beth Moore? BAM
Actually, what I'm reading is a classic devotional that Rod gave me entitled Streams in the Desert. It's extremely encouraging.
Thanks for the info.
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