Back to School

September 1st and it feels like the door has officially closed on summer. Instead of melting away with the rising sun, today the coolness stuck in the air long enough to make me put on long-sleeves and throw together a crock pot of chili for dinner.

It’s back to school kind of weather.

Charley woke up yesterday and informed me that she could “barely sleep” the night before she was so excited to start preschool. On her way out the door she told me it was going to be the “best day ever,” and then when I got home in the afternoon she declared with all the spunk she could muster, “FYI, Mom: the boys didn’t nap!”

Back to school is an in-my-face reminder that my baby isn’t a baby anymore. In fact, I’m tempted to believe the saying that she’s 4 going on 16. Seriously.

But with the back to school reality also comes the subtle reminder that life just keeps on moving--that just like the seasons, our stay here on earth is not permanent, and despite all we may do to thwart its progress, time keeps on ticking. Sometimes I feel like summer is a tease—like a fake tattoo—so bright, so vibrant, so seemingly permanent. You’re certain it’s there to stay and then it fades almost as quickly as it came. That’s part of why I love Ohio, though. Life is simply happening and then one day the wind rustles the trees in just a slightly different way, as if in one breath whispering goodbye to summer and in the next breath ushering in fall with a quiet yet sweet hello. As I feel the coolness on my skin, I also sense a quiet mustering of excitement inside of me. I feel like this happens every season--with the first snowfall, the first blooms and the first splash in the pool.

In a culture where the passing of time and the notion of growing old is something to hinder or to battle, I feel the changing of seasons somehow encourages within me an appreciation of God's handiwork and the blessings that come with the progression of time. With Christ as your anchor, the best is always yet to come. 

As you settle into the new season, friend, I want to share a cool back to school Scripture acronym sent to me by my sister-in-law (thanks, Sarah!).  I thought it was a great image and tool. Hope you enjoy it, too!