Embarking
Today was Ethan’s first day of first grade. I dropped him off, at the wrong entrance, I might add. The principle, a nice lady, first hastily corrected my mistake and then introduced herself. She asked Ethan his name and his teacher’s name. Then she turned to me and said they would take good care of him. I kissed him on the forehead and said I would see him after school. He turned and I turned and then walked away, fighting back the tears. I looked back and he walked through the doors.
It’s only first grade, but it is the beginning of a journey that will enlighten him to the world we all know too well. Yet, I know that God can take his journey and make it clear and perfect in His way. Fear of the unknown is probably the greatest battle all of mankind has to fight. I don’t how he will do in this school. I don’t know what influences will come across his path. But this I do know, he doesn’t walk alone.
Jesus gave me a picture in my head the night before to rest my fears and still my pain… With their backs to me, it was picture of my young boy walking with a tall man with shoulder length hair who was wearing long cloths draped from his form. They walked together like a father and son, confident and full of safety. And as they turned the corner from the door the man looked back at me with the most peaceful smile and sweet kindness in his eyes. And I knew he’d be all right.
I am not sure why I forgot this today, but for a short while I did. I cried a few more short times at home. Though my thoughts were constantly being interrupted by little people. The end of the school day came after a rather uneventful day at home. We, the whole family, picked him up and went out for ice cream to talk about his adventure. His first words were, “I love my new school, even more than my old one!” And that is saying a lot because his old school was really great.
So, tomorrow is only a few hours away and I have to do it all over again. Hopefully, my heart will be stronger… or at least reminded of who is in control.
Good Night.
Don’t worry. The first day is the hardest! You’ll make it!!
Oh, and He will too.
I thought of you and Ethan today as I got up. Transitions are always hard, but God truly does provide the grace we need to move through them and learn and grow as we do. Hang in there, brave soul!!
Wow, since when did Joe grow his hair out shoulder length? I didn’t even know that was possible for Joe!