All I Want For School This Year...

It's the picture they love to hate...first day of school!

I’m torn today between doing the happy dance and breaking down in a fit of tears. For the first time in 9 years 9 months, all of my children are in school. Granted, the youngest will only go two mornings a week, but for this morning...I am home alone.

Their concern for me was unprecedented. 

“What will you do?” asks the 4th grader with a concerned look.

“Will you be okay by yourself Mommy? Don’t worry, Mal only goes until noon and then she can be with you for the afternoon.” says the very chatty 1st grader.

“You could just take a nap.” bluntly says the preschooler this morning as I’m covering her cheeks with kisses, holding back tears.

And while my personal list of “to do’s” around the house is rather lengthy, I keep thinking about my kids and this upcoming year. What do I want for these three this school year?

My prayer is for good relationships that turn into lifelong friendships. They’re still the “new kids” here and it’s hard to find a place to fit in. Not to mention, this new life they now lead is full of hello’s and good-bye’s. I pray that they make lasting friendships. Kids to make memories with...kids that will all too soon turn into teens turned adults that encourage and serve together.

I want them to learn. 

For the 4th grader whose mind is full of questions, I want him to find answers. He’s reading just about any book he can get his hands on. Thankfully, the school library is expansive so he can read about everything from world wars to how volcanoes form. And don’t forget all the ongoing airplane questions he has for his father! 

For the creative 1st grader, I want her to become a solid reader, and grow in her love for school. She was is so excited about being in first grade and looking forward to everything this year will hold. I pray she will have opportunities to grow in her love and creative expression.

For my preschooler, I want her to play nice. I know it’s simple, but sometimes the simple things are the hardest, especially when you’re three. She’s our rough and tumble tom boy so settling into a school routine might rock her world. I want this to be a fun year forming a foundation that will carry her into her newfound career as “student” for the next thirteen years.

For all of them...I pray for a greater sense of our God and how big He is. I know this year there will be many “God opportunities”. My prayer is that we’re sensitive enough (and wise enough!) as their parents to always point the way back to Him.