Back to School

 

22 weeks. 154 days. That's how long the kids were at home before returning to school.

Last week, the kids went back to school.

What changed?

1. I honestly think that this was the most uncertain back to school year ever. The school district is doing an excellent job. Still, even children know what uncertainty feels like. For each unanswered question, we assured the kids that we would get through this together by the grace of God. 

2. This is also the first time that friends from other areas of the country can't send their kids to school. I am encouraged to see that people are listening to local authorities and they are taking things seriously. The funny thing is that social media makes people forget just that. I don't live where they live so the rules and regulations here are a bit different. I can't tell you how many people offered me advice while I was following the advice of our local government. 

3. Being able to send the kids to school gave us all a welcome new routine to our days. Regardless of what others think and feel, I am positive that we will get to the other side of this. God is still in control and He will see us through. 

What causes joy?

1. Hearing about the kids' day brought us a lot of joy. For the first time in many months, everyone brought a different daytime experience to the dinner table conversation. We have no issue being together all the time. The joy came from being blessed to enjoy some of our old routines. 

2. I was able to experience a little bit of my old routine as well. Waiting for the kids to come home from school. Fixing their snack and getting ready for dinner. Picking up an empty house. The old felt familiarly great. 

What am I learning?

1. I learned that we may have to live with uncertainty for a while. I think it is okay to live like that for while, as long as certain things are intact. What are these certain things? The love of God and family. God's care for us and our care for one another. 

2. When the people around me are spreading fear and negativity with their words, I don't have to let it overwhelm me. I can choose to dwell in calm, positive things. It is realistic to want to be surrounded by good thoughts. It is possible to set the atmosphere around my heart and mind with the words I choose to listen to and speak.

3. I'm learning that God is a very present help for me, personally. I'm really glad He cares. 

I'm not sure if your kids are back to school or not. I'm not sure what's happening around you. I hope you take some time to reflect on what changed, what causes joy, and the lessons you are learning.