Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Setting Out

Can you believe it? Already, it's the first day of kindergarten for Malcolm, my youngest. (Is it possible? How did this cliché catch up to us?) He was full of swagger and bravado and glee, with just the teeniest tiniest whisper of uncertainty.


Maren was an ace big sister, guiding her brother into the school experience. Doesn't hurt that the kid genuinely loves almost everything about school. She's a great spokesperson!


It's so strange to think that this will never happen again... one of my children starting at "the big school," setting out into a whole new world of schedules and standards and homework and
extracurricular activities and independent friendships. (And that one is the area where I have a hint of trepidation.)



And yet, it will happen again. What is life, if not a series of beginnings? They will always be setting out.

Sometimes they will look back and sometimes they won't. Sometimes it will be well-thought out, sometimes it will be hasty. Sometimes they'll go in good company (maybe even undesirable company) and sometimes they'll set out alone.

My prayer today is that in all these setting-outs, we will be able to confidently release them into the keeping of our good God.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24

8 comments:

Mandi said...

Wow, those 5 years went by fast, huh? Love your perspective on this Mel.

Malcolm - how was your first day of kindergarten? What do you think of school?

Maren - what do you think of being back in school?

Anonymous said...

wow he looks so little compared to the school! although that may be what you were trying to do with the picture.

Anonymous said...

ok....so now I'm crying.....

Anonymous said...

how was your first day of school melanie?

Anonymous said...

Happy School Year Family!!!!

There will be many stories to tell, and listen to. Wish we had gotten a picture of you going off to ABU as well Mel.

Anonymous said...

Mandi,

Good. I don't really know what else. I think school is going to be good. That's all that I want to say.

mel said...

Mandi -- They sure did. Weird. It seems hard to believe in the beginning that it could ever zip right by, doesn't it?

Rachel -- I know! I wanted to snap that moment when he was going forward ahead of us toward the school and didn't realize until I looked at it later how small he seems....

MB -- Awwwwww. You're such a softie!

Rachel pt2 -- More on that soon.

Mom -- I'm sure there will be and that you'll hear at least a few of them! I did consider snapping a "First Day of School" picture of myself, too. Aaybe I could have recreated that Grade One picture with some plaid pants and a belted cardigan. (Which actually might be quite stylish....)

Anonymous said...

Wow...Malcolm in kindergarten. Your house is most certainly much quieter than mine! (In fact, right now Phoebe is screaming because Noah took something from her.)