First Day

Yesterday was Brie's first day of kindergaten. She cried a little. I've cried a lot. I completely repent of any time I looked down upon someone for crying when their child had to go to sshool, or college, or leave home, or get married. I think I'm just beginning to realize what a big deal these times are. God is good!

I was expecting Brie to be a little upset and unsure because I well remember those days. Many times, I would come home from the first day and cry. I think now it was because it was so overwhelming, so many firsts and new adjustments to make. It looks like I still have a hard time with it! I'm so grateful that God has moved me though many seasons slowly and without rushing me - He knows me better than I know myself.

I told Dave that this was harder than bringing her home from the hospital. I've heard many parents say there were daunted by the great responsiblity placed on them when they brought their first child home from the hospital. I didn't feel it then, but I do now. It's feels like a huge responsiblity to make sure she gets there on time, that I'm there on time to pick her up, to get the necessary paperwork returned, to make sure she keeps on top of the homework, to keep on top of what she is learning. I'm thinking God will use this to address my need for control and just trust Him to work things out.

It helps to know that everyone I've talked to who knows of her school and has personal experience with it has wonderful things to say. It helps knowing that there is a church directly across the corner with possible prayer warriors standing on the wall praying for the students, teachers, staff and buildings. It helps knowing that God will use this time to grow us in new ways and cause us to trust in Him more, pray more, praise more.

Anecdote: Brianna is already benefiting from the instruction of her teacher. At dinner last night, with the energy and volume level were high from the day's excitement. Brianna assessed the situation and says, "Everyone look at me. Look at the finger on my lips (her pointer finger placed over her lips). When my finger is on my lips that means we have to be quiet." The best thing was the boys (and I) did get quiet...until we started laughing again. It will be fun to see what else she has to teach us in the days to come.