The First Day of No School: From bad-to-worse to paradise

 

    Just like many of you, this week has been the marker of significant transition for our family with 2 kiddos going to school for the first time. Enrollment has been completed, parent meetings attended, and school supply lists shopped. There has been much preparation, much time, energy, and $$$ getting ready for the first day of school!                                                                                                                                                 Yesterday was the day when I was planning to walk my 7 year old down the hall, help him put on his "inside shoes" and send him off while attempting to hold back my own tears and uncertainty. After rising, dressing, eating breakfast, and saying a family prayer we were finally out the door to pursue our destination. After some minor seatbelt trouble I found that our "new-to-us vehicle" sent from heaven (a story for another time) wouldn't start and the chain of unfortunate events began. Thankfully, our second vehicle was available (although still filled with 4 very large winter tires, that have not yet found a storage place) and with some transition of booster seats we were off.

Upon arriving at school with my 1 & 5 year old in tow, we were greeted at the door only to find out that my 7 year old doesn't start until the following day. I can't quite describe what broke in me at that moment. It may have been related to the fact that just the night before my 7 year old told me he no longer wanted to attend school because he would miss me and only wanted to stay home and play all day with me and his brother. Maybe it was the anticipation and build up of the moment only to feel like it was all in vain. I held back the tears until a dear friend from church approached me to inquire what was wrong, her hugs and encouragement were much needed and appreciated in that moment.

After getting settled back into our vehicle I knew I needed to take this opportunity to celebrate despite disappointment. I attempted to make plans with my 5 & 7 year old while trying to regain my composure. After some brainstorming, we decided to take a trip to the $5 store, only to find upon arrival it was closed. (Obviously, I am not used to going shopping at such an early hour.) I convinced the boys to let me take them to the zoo, given the option of going to the zoo or going home, the decision was easy. While waiting for the zoo to open I decided to swing through a coffee shop for much needed refreshment. The trend of unfortunate events continued as we were met with rude customer service and half of a smoothie dumped on the van floor by my 7 year old.

After using almost an entire package of baby wipes and a fistful of napkins to remove the icy pink mush from the carpeted floor, and fulfilling the request of man in need of some cash for something to eat, we were finally off to our anticipated destination. By then I could feel the sweat dripping as the day had warmed and we were once again without the comfort of air conditioning. 

Once we parked and proceeded to exit the van I noticed a peculiar wet spot on my son's shorts. After inquiring, he sheepishly admitted to having an accident. After asking him why he had an accident, he reported because the van didn't have a bathroom. After firmly instructing him he needs to tell me right away I had yet again lost my composure. I shared with my boys I wanted to go home and crawl back in bed. My 7 year old gave me a hug and reiterated that he really wanted to go to the zoo. That was a proud and heart warming moment for me as I got to experience the benevolent empathy and comfort of my son. (Maybe I'm doing something right?)

As we entered the zoo and saw a glimpse of the beautiful pink flamingos I knew my day was going to turn a corner. Our walk through paradise began with a visit to the restroom where I put my 5 & 7 year old in charge of my iced coffee only to find it a moment later tipped and dumped all over the cement floor. At that point it didn't matter so much because we had arrived and I knew the beauty and adventure that awaited us.

The rest of the morning we gazed at the amazing creatures of God's wonderful creation. We saw a turtle so close we could touch him, a fuzzy tarantula that makes you glad he's in a secure crate with no chance of escape. My absolute favorite site was the sloth, sleeping in a tree only 2 arm lengths away. He looked so care free and peaceful, just the encouragement I needed in that moment. As we continued our trek, we saw more magnificent expressions of God's handiwork like the glow in the dark poisonous frogs, and the dancing sea lions. 

Upon further reflection I thought about school and how learning opens our minds to new perspectives and new aspects of God's wonderful world. This is the true gift of learning, to know God more so that we can live a life of awe and worship before Him. Though my 7 year old feels uncertain and says he would rather play midst safety and familiarity, I have a vision for him that he doesn't and cannot have yet. A vision of growth, discovery, and knowledge that will strengthen him and help him become the man God desires him to be. 

King Solomon, to whom God gave the greatest wisdom and wealth in all history wrote:

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding- indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."

Proverbs 2:1-5

I hope whatever transition you might be going through is going much smoother than mine, however, if it isn't, know that God has a way of showing up in mighty ways in the moments when all feels lost. 

Keep going. 

Keep sowing seeds. 

Be faithful to that which you are called.

Happy September!