Elsie started school today.
She's my third child to start school and in some ways you'd think I'd be a hardened veteran by now. In fact, I think I kind of expected to be able to take in my stride this year. But it's never easy. Each time one of my kids has started school I've felt sadness for a stage of life that's over, grief for a companion that won't be by my side day-to-day any more and the inner turmoil that comes with a big change.
But on the flip side, I've felt proud of each of my kids as they faced this new step, dipping their toes into the deeper water. Children are meant to grow. I wish it didn't have to happen so fast sometimes, but it is the way God has designed things. It reminds me that my children aren't ultimately my own to cling on to but God's and I'm to raise them to bring glory to Him in the world.
She's my third child to start school and in some ways you'd think I'd be a hardened veteran by now. In fact, I think I kind of expected to be able to take in my stride this year. But it's never easy. Each time one of my kids has started school I've felt sadness for a stage of life that's over, grief for a companion that won't be by my side day-to-day any more and the inner turmoil that comes with a big change.
But on the flip side, I've felt proud of each of my kids as they faced this new step, dipping their toes into the deeper water. Children are meant to grow. I wish it didn't have to happen so fast sometimes, but it is the way God has designed things. It reminds me that my children aren't ultimately my own to cling on to but God's and I'm to raise them to bring glory to Him in the world.
So I said goodbye to my girl this morning with mixed feelings. Happy that God has given me such a delightful girl who is ready to start this next stage, sad that I won't be spending as much of my time with her this year. I'm glad that we have a father in heaven who is with my kids when they are at school.
3 comments:
I don't blame you for missing her Nic, she is a precious companion. But she'll be home every day, pleased to see you and brim full of new stories to share.
What a lovely kindergartener! I think I would love to have an Elsie in my class!!
I love your comment that "my children aren't ultimately my own to cling on to but God's". I have two kids (who are still babies) but I think I will struggle when they go to school and this idea that God has designed things in a way that kids grow and slowly but surely become independent adults. Thanks for your well written thoughts on this.
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