Sunday, August 19, 2012

Back to School

This proud, toothless boy is my son Nathan, taken five years ago for kindergarten graduation. Tomorrow, my baby starts fifth grade.

Although school means the end of summer, Nathan is actually excited. He likes to see his friends every day, enjoys learning new things, and is eager to start band for the first time. (He chose trumpet--lucky me.) In fifth grade, they get lockers, which is a very big deal. Who cares that they don't actually have locks on them; they are lockers and only the big kids get them. He isn't thrilled about getting up early, but the inconvenience is clearly worth what awaits him.

I, on the other hand, don't feel ready at all. After a summer that went way too fast, as usual, it seems too soon to face the daily routine of getting up and out the door, dealing with homework, and all the other details that make up a school year. I'm not ready for little Nate the Great to be in fifth grade, because that means next year he'll be in his last year at King's Academy then he'll be in middle school then . . .I don't even want to think about it.

But I'm glad that Nathan is excited for this new school year. He should be happy. It's fun to see friends and learn an instrument and get something new like a locker. Seeing time pass more quickly than I want it to is difficult, but it means that fun and exciting milestones lay ahead, experiences that I don't want to miss while I am wishing that things could stay as they are. Because, let's face it, they can't.

What new things does this upcoming school year mean for you? What are you excited about? What makes you wish that time would slow down a little?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm going into eight grade and I'm not excited for school to start:( My summer was been very full, therefore I haven't been boarded which normally makes me sagar for school. I am trying to prepare myself for a good year but am not eager to start. I have to step back and remind myself that I have to get through this year and high school before I can get married and start a family of my own which is what I am longing for! Maybe this year I will meet my future hubby, one of the things I'm looking forward to! I wish my time with extended family lasted longer and that my grandparents could age slower:) Anyway you are probably board by this point after reading so much if you even read this far:) Gods in controll and has a plan!!!!!

Jeanette Hanscome said...

I pray that you have a great 8th grade year! And more time with family--especially your grandparents--is a wonderful thing to wish for. Enjoy your time with them.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, I need help... As I am getting back in the swing of thigs I have gotten to see a lot of my friends, and we have all changed a lot! The problem is we are going in different directions!!! I am changing and growing closer to God and have set sertain boundreys, like I'm very modest but don't like dresses, I have committed to not haveing a boyfriend till I ready for marriage, and I listen to only Christian music. They are more worldly and boy crazy! I have developed a like for boys but I am keeping it within me. I could go against my convictions and blend in with them but I'm not. I guess what I need help with is finding comforting bible verses. I know God is doing this for a reason and that my choice pleases him but, I want the comfort of reading his words! I know this happens to a lot of people and I thought you mIght be experienced?? Thanks agian!! By the way my name is Jessica:)

Sabrina said...

Well this year I will be starting my Sophmore year and it's coming with a lot of challenging courses but I am ready to take them on! I really can't wait to meet new people this year and get further aquainted with some classmates in band. Unfortunately no sports till spring but with band and youth group activities it will be ok. Also I am so blessed to have Tuseday morning prayer group. Besides the fact that there are delicious doughnuts involved, it is great and encouraging to see other people like my self who have a realationship with Christ.

Jeanette Hanscome said...

Jessica: I admire your courage in standing firm in your faith and convisctions even if that means losing some friendships in the process. God will reward your faithfulness! However, I also know it's hard to take this road while life-long friends take another. I will look up some verses for you but wanted to make sure that I replied right away. As I ask God to lead me to passages that will encourage you and bring comfort, I will also be praying, asking God to show you some blessings in these choices. I pray that He sends you some wonderful, Godly friends this year.

I'll post the verses in the next few days.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much!

Jeanette Hanscome said...

Jessica (and anyone else who needs them), I have some verses that I hope will encourage and strengthen you and you start this new year.
1 Peter 3: 13-16; 1 Peter 2:9; Deuteronomy 31:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 31:34; Philippians 2:13; Proverbs 4:18

I pray that God will use these truths of His Word to bring you comfort and to help you stand firm in your faith!

Blessings,
Jeanette

Anonymous said...

Thank you do much, I am going to look them up right now!!!!

Jessica

Ashley Garcia said...

This year, I begin my Senior year in college and I couldn't be happier! :D Last year, I was faced with several trials & tribulations. My maternal grandmother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer and passed away from complications just two days after Thanksgiving. Her passing affected me greatly. I began suffering from depression, anxiety attacks, and dizzy spells. I was overwhelmed and it reflected in my school work. As a result, I lost a year of schooling. To this day, it pains me to see others graduating knowing that I too could've graduated, but I have learned to cast my cares onto the Lord. I trust in Him and His perfect timing. I know that He has something special planned for my life. He has renewed my strength and I am going back to school excited about finishing my program and ready to work hard and attain my diploma. I know that's what my grandmother would've wanted :)

Jeanette Hanscome said...

Ashley,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Whether a death is expected or not, we are usually unprepared for the emotional upheaval that follows. I know it must be hard to see your friends finish school while you still have a year to go, but I know God will bless your willingness to finish instead of giving up.

I know your grandmother would be proud of you! I pray that you will see benefits in the graduation delay.