1st day...new school, new teacher, new teeth!

today was nathan's 1st day back to school!

he begins 2nd grade today, on a new school bus w/ a new driver (#9 - mr. sherman), in a new school building (murphy el.) w/ a new teacher (mrs. megge) he'll be meeting new friends, and making new memories! not to mention LEARNING LOTS of new stuff!!!! :)

we are so thankful to have 3 beautiful children who love God and love beginning new journeys each year w/ school and friendships and beyond!

nathan is our oldest, so learning the ropes has been challenging, we're blazing through new territory in everything...our school system, doctor appointments, development, attitudes, spiritual growth, etc...but we continue to be reminded that we must pray over ALL things...even those that might seem insignificant...they are still important in the life of a child.

we had a rough week last week...i began college classes for the 1st time in a LONG time, julia began preschool, and nathan had his 2nd grade open house. we were all very excited to begin the school year and this new journey w/ nathan...into 2nd grade! and nathan was thrilled to meet his new teacher and see his new classroom! (BUT we never really prayed about the specifics, we never prayed for anything other than thank God for this new year and that was it)

upon entering his classroom for the first time i was disheartened by the lack of familiar names on his class list. in fact, i became a bit irritated! i heard nathan's disappointment with not having anybody in class that he knows (except one child from last year's class, whom is a disruptive & volatile child) anyway, it was hard as a parent to see his sad face, to hear his disappointment, and to feel his excitement turn to anxiety...bummer big time! :(
i then spent the next 24 hours on the phone & internet talking w/ principals, former teachers, superintendents, teacher & administrator friends & family! researching online about responsive classrooms and the need for familiarity in transitioning children, on and on and on...it was a BLAH day indeed!!!

after expressing my disappointment and concern, i grew even angrier! :( it was only after 8 hours of fuming, that i was overcome w/ a cloud of peace! God spoke to me at 4pm and said, "Nathan is going to be Alright!" He filled me w/ peace again. And with excitement for the coming school year! He said, this is good for Nathan and good for the new classroom. Nathan is a nice boy and a good student. "He is my child," God exclaimed! and it finally hit me...God's plans prevail, not mine! God's plan for Nathan's 2nd grade year are already in place and who am I to change them!? His purpose for Nathan this year could be to share his love for Christ w/ a new friend or maybe the teacher!? Who knows? But the truth is...God knows!!! And I'm trusting in Him for Nathan's life journey...including his public school education!

"Remember, Jen...this is all part of you and Greg's prayerful decision (way back when) to send Nathan to public schools...to share w/ others His truth and love!!!" (maybe you (jen) should continue to be prayerful!!!)

hmmm...i think God just hit me again w/ a 2-ton brick...duh!!??!!
stop being so stubborn, jen...TRUST!!!