“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” ~ Joel 2:25 (KJV)
Today was the first day of school for our two new housemates.
New backpacks strapped to their backs. Their bellies were full. Their teeth were brushed. Their hair was slicked back and styled with a spunky look. They were sporting their new clothes a precious friend dropped off for them. Their lunch was packed and their first picture was taken for the beginning of their new school year in yet “another” new school.
For most kids… this would be filled with excitement and wonder. But, for these two, a new school is just a reminder of the roller coaster of new beginnings which haven’t proven to be anything of excitement or wonder. Rather, these new beginnings just meant that once again, they would have to start all over.
On this morning, I could sense their apprehension. But, I could also sense a twinge of hope. Even though they dare to expose that hope to me, I could see it peeking through. It seemed to betray the manner they were displaying this morning.
Hope… that maybe this would be the last new beginning for this year. Hope… that maybe they would stay long enough for friends to be made. Hope…for acceptance. Hope… for stability. Hope… to be allowed to be safe enough to smile again!
“I don’t want to go to school!” The youngest whined as he scowled. “I hate school!”
I realized I had the power at that particular moment to make or break their day! I knew something about them. I knew that although they were not displaying a positive attitude at that moment, that doesn’t mean they could not display one in their next moment.
I reminded myself, the way I reacted would set the tone for their day!
I get to choose my hill to die on and this morning, it was not time to die. So, I ignored the attitude and instead pump them up with positive affirmations. Little by little the tone of frustration, agitation and down right stubbornness began to fade.
We hopped in the car and began our drive to school. We took a detour since we were a wee bit early. I showed them the house where my kids grew up by their new school. I showed them the bus stop that our oldest son Patrick stood at when he attended this same school for his first grade year.
I know how much they love my boys and look up to them, so I attempted to help them relate is a way that was safe and comfortable. We shared all kinds of old memories and emotions my boys experienced on their first days of school. They began to relate.
Sandwiched in between all the memories. I spread out what they could do in the moment they felt afraid, insecure or uncomfortable.
“Just call out to Jesus.” I told them. “Tell Him how you’re feeling when you’re nervous or afraid. He will be with you. He will listen. He will help you.”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
I asked them if I could pray for them like I use to do for my boys when I drove them to school? Suddenly, I saw the tone had changed. Their eyes revealed a slight glimmer of hope as I peeked at them in my rear view mirror. I prayed, while keeping my eyes on the road and on the rear view mirror at the same time.
I saw their apprehension wane. I saw two young boys who desperately wanted to fit in. Desperately wanted to be secure. Desperately wanted to be happy! Desperately hoped this change would bring them the hope which seemed to be stuck behind the lense of their eyes.
“Lord”, I whispered in my mind. “Please give them a great day! Please help them to be noticed in a positive way.”
We walked to their classrooms where they would meet their teachers and classmates for the first time. The door swung open and I could see their gentle sigh of relief in what appeared as weight removed from their shoulders. Relived… they were early and they did not have to walk into a classroom full of eyes deliberately staring at them.
First meetings took place with their teachers and first impressions were made! “Thank you Lord!” They were positive!
“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” ~ Isaiah 40:29-31 (AMP)
“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.” ~ Psalm 121:7-8 (NKJV)