Weekly Reflection – School Days

The end of August tends to evoke some mixed emotions for many of us.

We may feel elated, guilty for feeling elated, sad, nervous, a little lost, and even nostalgic. Maybe all at the same time. Why? Well…school is back in session! The animals are corralled in the classroom…or perhaps the opposite and they have been released into the wild?

Each school year requires adjusting to new expectations and increasing responsibilities for our sweet kids. It’s a process but eventually, the kids grow up and begin “adulting”. They move on and parents are left scratching their heads at where the time went and where that leaves them. Is that it? Now what? It’s not just kids that have to be able to make adjustments in life.

When we sent our first kid to college, we practically bought out Bed, Bath, and Beyond with every linen and storage container imaginable. We spent two whole days in the pouring rain unloading, putting things together, helping her decorate her dorm room, and trying to make everything “just right”. For our second kid, we stopped by his dorm for a few minutes and said “hey” as he moved his own stuff into the dorm. We did buy him one new set of sheets (extra long twin) and a bedspread but that’s about it…I was learning to chill out a bit, but still adjusting. Although I handled it differently, I was honestly excited for both of my kids as they left home and ventured out toward new adventures. It’s a time for rejoicing and not just for them but for ourselves too.

It's a good reminder that no matter what stage of life we are in or the adjustments taking place, we should rejoice in it. We all need to press on as we look forward to the future while putting our hope in the Lord. God has it all in his hands!

Are you going through any kind of life adjustment right now? What are all the emotions you are feeling?

Where are you putting your hope?

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24