Wednesday, August 25, 2010

As the School Bells Ring...

And the School Bell Rings!!

Saved by the bell is not exactly what I'm feeling this week. In some ways, yes. I am enjoying the freedom that has come to my days. My kitchen is spotless. I went to work on-time since we were out the door earlier than usual. We have tons to talk about because everybody goes to a different place each day. But, yesterday, my FB post was: "The kids are off to school. I'm free. Why am I so weepy?" I'm better today. Just a little hint of wanting to cry. But no real tears, yet.


I've homeschooled until now, so this is a jolt to all of our systems. We went from little structure to lots of it. When anybody asks me how I'm doing, I have been embarrassed by the river of tears that swells and threatens to overflow the banks of my eyelids. I was relieved to have several moms tell me, "I wept when my kids went to school," or "I cry every year when school starts because we've had so much fun through the summer. You get used to them being with you."


Not all moms feel this way. And please don't feel bad if you did a happy dance when you dropped them off the first day. I think that will come for me, too...in a few weeks.


The openness of these moms to share in my sadness by admitting their own, reminded me that it's so important to be authentic with each other. If I pretend to have it all together, I just make life harder on somebody else. So take a risk and offer your true feelings to another mom. It might be just the ticket to help her find a balance between sadness and the "happy dance."


This year we are going to work on learning Romans 12. I'm praying for my kids Romans 12:2: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will."


Blessings!
Sharon

1 comment:

  1. I wondered if all your kids were in school this year. That is hard! I was in the happy dance catagory until I actually dropped the kids off. Then I cried all the way home! Nothing like that to remind you that these days are passing quickly!

    Authentic friends...we need that so badly! At youth camp one year the speaker talked about that and said "fine" is a four letter word. I have never forgotten that. If you ever ask me how I'm doing, you'll not hear "fine" as my answer! (My hubby has learned that if I do say fine, something is up. He knows me so well!) ;)

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