Choosing to Dance

Today the kids went back to school. Glory! I shouldn't be so excited that school is back in session, but... YAY!

This has been a hard summer. I remember last year at this time I was mourning the end of our summer vacation. And it seems like just a few weeks ago that I was running around the house singing "School's. Out. For. Summer!" at the top of my lungs.

But at the start of this new school year, I'm rejoicing. The little kids are at an age where they are constantly fighting. The screaming and yelling and arguing over toys - I'm over it, people. And look. I've tried everything. Spankings. Time-outs. Hand holding. Scripture. If you can name it, I've probably tried it. Nothing has worked. Nothing. But now, they will be separated for eight glorious hours a day. 

I. Can't. Wait. 

Look, this doesn't mean I don't love my children. I do. With all my heart. I've loved watching Jonah's creative spirit flourish. I've loved being entertained by all of Vivienne's antics. I've loved hanging out with and leading Brienne and her friends in a summer Bible study. It has been a good summer in many ways. But it's time for these precious little people to head back to school. 

I know that many of you probably can't relate to my feelings. You're sad to see another school year start. And I'm not necessarily looking forward to all the carpooling and running around that we'll be doing. But this year, I really feel no sadness. I'm actually excited to see what this year has in store for each of my children. (Now, I am aware that my feelings may change when Vivi starts school next week. I mean, she is the baby so I'm sure a few tears will be shed. But I'm thinking that after the first half hour, I'll be fine.)

I do know, however, that so many of us moms are mourning how quickly our kids are growing and how fast time is flying. It's tempting to mourn our children's growth and wish we could turn back the clock. But here's the thing. I love watching my kids grow. It's exciting to see the young lady that Brienne is becoming. It's encouraging to watch as Jonah learns to read. And it's particularly thrilling that Vivienne is sleeping through the night. 

Instead of mourning the end of summer, we should rejoice with our kids in their accomplishments and we should commit to pray for them. Here are some things I'm praying for my children this school year.

Brie: kindness towards those who need a friend; purity; boldness in her faith; protection over what she sees and hears (Middle School, y'all...)

                                                               7th grade - really??

Jonah: improvement in social skills; developing real friendships; obedience and fewer meltdowns (and patience for his sweet teacher!)

                                                 Sweet boy was so excited for "big school!"

Vivi: obedience; breaking out of her shell; kindness towards others

                                             Technically, today is only "Open House" for Vivi.                                      
                                       And she wasn't thrilled about having her picture taken.
                                       (Honestly, I had to bribe her by telling her I would take 
                                                       her shoe shopping today. This girl...)

I can't keep these precious children little forever and even if I could, I'm not sure I would want to. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I might be a little delusional. I realize that I still have small kids and I may feel differently when they're grown. But, people, having small kids is HARD.

Ecclesiastes chapter three, verses one and four say that "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." I am excited for this season of our lives. I'm thrilled that Brienne thrives at school, I'm excited (and admittedly a little anxious) that Jonah is in a regular pre-K class, and I'm happy that Vivienne has the opportunity to attend preschool a few mornings a week so that she can learn about Jesus and realize that it's alright to be away from Mommy for a bit.

This is a good season for us as a family. So today I won't be sad, I won't weep, and I won't mourn.

Today I will choose to laugh, and rejoice.

Today, I'm choosing to dance!