My son just backed out of the driveway, and drove off for his first day of his Senior year of high school.
The lump in my throat is still there.
The house is eerily quiet as I sit with my laptop at our dining room table. Looks like it’ll be just me, our outdoor farm cats, and my coffee hanging out at home today.
I wish I could offer you a freshly-brewed cup.
I’m the mom who loves having her children home during the summer. It’s always difficult for me when they start back to school.
I’ve been intentionally putting this day out of my mind for some time now. It’s a tough one.
This morning was the last time I’ll ever snap the annual first day picture on our front steps. The last time to watch our son drive off for his first day, and wave and wonder where the summer went.
Goodness, where have the years gone?
Our daughter is grown and living on her own. I’m enjoying being a mom of an adult, especially to her. She’s a joy!
But my little guy? He can’t possibly be a senior in high school. How can he possibly be this old?
How can I possibly be this old?
Our summer break was wonderful. I wouldn’t have changed a thing, except for it to pass by us a little slower. Gosh, we made some great memories together!
But here we are.
A few tears. A few smiles. New schedules. New opportunities. Excitement and apprehension.
Can you relate, friend?
Maybe you’re like me and could use some conversing with God today regarding this new school year.
Would you join me in prayer?
Father God, thank You for who You are. Thank You for Your love, Your sovereignty, and Your grace. Thank You for the blessing of our children. Father, we lift them to You today. As they head off to school (or will be soon), we ask You to bless them. Keep them safe. Give them wisdom to make choices that glorify You. Help them to stay on the narrow path that leads to You, and allow them to be good examples for others to follow. May they find favor in their teachers’ eyes, and may this school year be a joy. Grow them up to be the men and women You desire them to be. Align this day according to Your plans and purposes for all of our lives. And Father, for those of us who may be struggling with watching our children go back to school, bless us too. Please encourage our hearts, and give us the grace we need to glorify You this day. Father, thank You. We love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
We’ll walk through these days together, right? So thankful for that today!
Here’s to a new school year! Blessings!
Julie
It’s Woman to Woman Wednesday here, where we encourage each other in our faith and journeys with our Lord. Life can be filled with all sorts of triumphs and challenges, and most often, it’s in our daily routine where we need the most encouragement. When I’m needing a good dose of it, I find going straight to the Source soothes my soul. May you turn to God for your encouragement today too. Please share your thoughts to bless another below!
Linking with Woman2Woman, Coffee For Your Heart & Three Word Wednesday
This made me cry. We are in our first firsts in… well, about everything! We love every stressful minute. Our oldest is 7 and we simply can’t grasp how fast it’s gone. I dread the last firsts already. Not too long ago I loved my own last firsts. I hope I can remember the excitement of growing up & taking in life when its my turn to let them go. I have a few more years to get a handle on it, I suppose. 🙂 …it better be a long handle because I’m going to need every inch of it to grab onto it! Blessings! & thank you for the reminder to enjoy them each day.
Kaylene, even though we’re at different ends of the spectrum, we’re each walking through a time of transition and change. I will be lifting you in prayer as you walk through yours! What a special time it is for you! Yes, enjoy those children each and every day. I did, and I still wonder where the time has gone. 🙂 But we have much to be grateful for! Thank you for sharing your heart today. You blessed me!
Oh Julie, my heart goes out to you today. Those days are a long way off for me, but I know they will be here oh so fast. It sounds like you’ve raised some amazing kids, and I pray that God will pour his blessing on you as you enter this new season. Hugs to you!
Abby, your words bring tears to my eyes (again). Good tears. Yes, this day has come way too fast. Soak every day in with your kids. Every single day. I appreciate your prayers. We all have much to be thankful for. Thankful for you today!
You brought tears to my eyes. Saying a prayer for you today. This is exactly where I was 2 1/2 weeks ago when my senior son (oldest) drove to school for the very first time and began his last year. But, I do still have my youngest (daughter) in 8th grade. Where does the time go? Here’s to a year filled with great memories!
Oh, Kim, I’m glad we can walk through this season in our lives in good company. A year of transition it will be for us both. Yes, here’s to a year filled with great memories!! Thanks for sharing your heart here today.
I can’t even imagine what it’s like sending your baby boy to his last day of high school. 🙁 Watching mine graduate from kindergarten this past May was monumental enough for me. It’s such a treasure to be mothers, isn’t it? I love your prayer and your heart here, Julie. Praying right alongside of you…xoxo, Meredith
Yes, Meredith. It’s a treasure to be mothers. You said it right there. Such a blessing and gift! Thank you for joining me in prayer, friend. Means the world to me. Thankful for you today!
Oh Julie,
I have tears welling in my eyes. What a beauty these “endbeginnings” are. My munchkins are only at the beginning of this school journey- but I feel the same lump. I am excited at all that lies ahead for them… but a bit teary for the sweetness of the memories of all that we’ve shared thus far.
I am sipping my coffee and sliding the kleenex box back across the table. A contented sigh of awe and wonder at this thing called life.
{hugs}
Oh, Brandi. Waking up to your words today is a gift. Thank you! It was a good day here for us all yesterday. The lump is still there, however. I know you already are, but cherish those munchkins. Every interruption, every set back, every good and bad moment. You’ll never regret doing so. Time goes by too quickly. Wish we were having coffee today, but I’ll take a tissue and pass the kleenex box in the center of the table for next time we need it. You’re a gift, friend! Have a blessed day!
When this youngest son of my does spread his wings and moves out it will be one emotional day for this mom. He spent a few years at a community college and now plans to finish school online so I think I have a few years. But I remind myself frequently to enjoy these days as they go by so quickly. I do so love being a mom to adult children though. Each season of their lives brings joy and challenges . . . but more and more joy. Blessings to you, Julie. And many, many hugs.
Beth, I’m thankful for you. You understand what it’s like to be a parent of an adult. It truly is a joy. Thank you for sharing today. Yes, enjoy your son while he’s home. What a blessing that he’s there at this time in your life! God bless you, dear friend. I appreciate you. Sending hugs your way!
It is hard to imagine they keep getting older so quickly. Mine are 6 and 8 and I wish I could pause time and keep them this age.
Blessings to you on this school year and the changes that are coming.
Thank you, Sarah! Those are such fun ages. Enjoy them! Blessings to you this year as well. We have much to be thankful for, don’t we?!! Thanks for stopping in today!
My last is headed to her freshman year of high school tomorrow. She’s ready; I am not sure I am. Like you, I so enjoy my kids. But it is time. We will all be okay. Thanks for sharing your encouragment and prayer. Blessings, Linda
Linda, I hope your daughter had a great first day as a Freshman! How exciting! How did you do? It’s a time of transition for many of us. Glad we can all walk through this time together! Thank you for sharing!