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Back to School, Children, Christian parenting, Christianity and Parenting, College, Dads, Daughters, Education, Educators, Empty Nesters, Faith, First Day of School, Kids, Moms, Mothers, Parenting, Parents, Prayer, Single dads, single parents, sons, Teachers, Teens, This Thing Called Parenting
My daughter has always been excited about school. I will never forget the time we pulled into Agape Christian Academy and she saw a few kindergarteners crying. She sighed heavily and informed me that she was going to spend her entire day reassuring them that everything is going to be ok. It took everything in me to keep from laughing out loud. On her first day of kindergarten, I was lingering when she whispered reassuringly, “Mom, you can go now.” I cried all the way to work. Today, I posted this picture on Instagram along with this message:
“Happy first day of school Elizabeth. I am so proud of you world changer! Through your #faithinGod, that with Him all things are possible, your hard work, tenacity, wit, humor (you so funny), eagerness to learn, explore and excel beyond the classroom, you IS going into your 2nd year of #college. You were in 2nd grade here 🙂 As I reminisce about the #school years, I’m #thankingGod for His faithfulness. He has been good, He has been faithful. Now may God bless you and keep you. May He shine His face upon you as you are a shinning light, and may He establish the work of your hands on the #Hilltop. I love you 2 pieces.”
After posting that message, the empty nesters’ tears began to flow uncontrollably. I found solace in prayer and in “stalking” other people’s pictures, which I found using the harsh tag #firstdayofschool. I was awwing, smiling and double clicking on pictures of some of the cutest schoolers on Instagram. I then thought of how far we have come, I thought of Elizabeth’s accomplishments, accolades, all the struggles of single motherhood, and smiled. I smiled because my email was open to a folder that lifts my spirits. It’s filled with emails from family and friends, notes, letters and a few other inspirational things.
One of those emails is from a lovely woman, the Parent Liaison at Lexington Christian Academy, where my daughter attended 7th – 12 grades. The liaison thought I might like to keep the words that accompanied Elizabeth’s PSG scholarship, awarded to a returning student who has best exemplified joyful service within the LCA community during the year, in honor of an LCA faculty or Staff member, or an LCA parent who has modeled joyful service to the students during the school year. It reads:
“Elizabeth stands out for her maturity, her constancy in her devotion to her Lord, to her friends (and that includes the faculty, staff, and administration who are fortunate enough to work with her), to her school work and studies, and to her heart for missions and service. Her presence elevates all of us to see God’s glory in teaching, in learning, and in living.”
“She is always looking to improve herself and the LCA community whether it be seeking to really understand concepts in class, always seeking deeper knowledge after class, leading groups on projects, serving as chaplain, or trying to motivate the community to do their absolute best at all times. She even convicts me when I say something can’t be done, she always lets me know that we need to aim high in all things.”
“Elizabeth’s cheerful attitude, service to the LCA community, school spirit, and genuine love for the Lord make her an important asset to our school!”
“She is always willing to help others especially when she sees that you need it. And she is a person who will speak up when something is not right or not of God.”
These words elevated me. May they inspire you to find those key traits in your children that put a smile on your face, even if it’s the first day of school. Wishing you and your children a blessed and successful school year. Here’s hoping they, and you, had a Happy First Day of School.