A Time for Courage

Each summer, I get to connect with some of my very favorite families. We teach our kids about building godly character, and do fun activities together. Last spring, God burdened our hearts for teaching the kids about courage. Within the group, we have three girls starting sixth grade, two boys going into 8th, and littles preparing for kindergarten. Our educational approaches are all different, from homeschooling, charter, and public...but, the need for courage seemed to be universal. When God led us to this theme, we had no idea how clearly His path would lead us to trusting Him in each of our families. My dear friend, Ellen, spent the summer wrestling for strength while carrying a baby, and suffering from a difficult health condition. Toward the end of the summer, a child in our group contracted a rare eye condition that led to months and months of suffering, doctor visits and uncertainty. Life was bringing its own set of hardships, but the truth of God’s word, that we were not given a spirit of fear, carried each of us. I keep thinking about that evening that we met at Kindergarten Rock, and a team of amazing dads taught our kids to buckle into a harness, and climb up a steep rock. The message that walking in faith takes a lot of courage, yet the rope is always with you, is something our hearts needed to hear. We are never alone.

This year has been a year of courage for me and my kids. I took on a job at a new school, and switched the big kids to this school.  I had no idea that stepping back into the work force would change so much about our daily routines...laundry, sick days, friendships...it was a new season of juggling kids, and juggling work commitments. Then, the emotional part of living up to someone else’s standards and learning to play a small role in a large community of educators. I have been humbled and sharpened. I can’t say that it was a transition without tears. Each morning, I walk Sloan to school. We started her in kindergarten a year before I was ready, because I needed a place for her to be. It was my Abraham and Isaac moment when God called me to sacrifice something sacred to my heart, my last year at home with my baby. I walk her to her seat while she wipes the tears from her eyes, and I remind her that she is loved.

My two big kids are now new kids in a class that has been together since kindergarten. Their days are filled with questions...who are all these new people? Why am I being tested on spelling? And why does everyone know Spanish already? Daley is fighting through her separation anxiety, and 7 hours is a lot longer than her half day kindergarten days. Courage is the theme for us. None of us are super comfortable in our new surroundings, but trusting that the rope is always there, has been the basis for our courage. God is with us on this mountain.  Sometimes, we walk unknowingly into the places He has prepared for us.  It's scary and hard, but it never happens without His hand leading us to grace. Sloan gets to spend her afternoons playing with her neighborhood friends, loved on by some of the sweetest, most giving moms. Because of my job, I get to see Daley everyday at her lunch and recess.  We treasure that 45 minutes of hugging and laughing.  Ryder and Fin just performed a dance routine in the talent show.  The whole assembly cheered and welcomed this new duo that braved the stage in an unfamiliar setting. I am finding my footing as a kindergarten tudor, loving the kids and making friends with other teachers. My role has given us a chance at building community there.

When I take a step back and breathe in the horizon, I can see His hand intentionally at work. He didn't call us to something hard, and then abandon us.  He led us right up the mountain, and then rewarded us for trusting. I'm so thankful for His provisions, and the families that surround us that are also learning to trust.