Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. As a child, I loved going "Back to School" because everything was NEW! I loved shopping for new crayons and a new lunchbox, making new friends and having a new classroom teacher. And of course, who doesn't look forward to that crisp air, football season (Geaux Tigers!), and the anticipation of holiday celebrations just around the corner?! My kids definitely share the same enthusiasm. They love the "Back to School" shopping for new clothes, tennis shoes, and supplies! We make a production out of it and have SO much fun shopping as a family. I get JUST as excited for them!
I loved school so much, that before I became a wife and mom, I became a teacher and taught at Bethany Christian in Louisiana. It was my PURE JOY to be there. I loved my teaching staff, my students, and all the parents. I had the privilege of coaching their varsity cheerleaders for many years. I developed even more of a passion to teach and learn as the years went by. School was my home and my sanctuary (Literally and Physically!! My classroom was the first room off the foyer of our main church auditorium!)
But after I begin having my own children, I didn't want to give up being with them, so I chose to stay at home. Instead of teaching other people's children, it was time to teach my own! Having a family was my PASSION. And by choice, I didn't want to give up my time with my children. Year after year, for 10 years now, I have been blessed to stay with them. Now, that my oldest is 5th grade and my youngest is Pre-K and they have all headed "back to school" I am left wondering what new beginnings I personally will have to look forward to this fall!
I can RELATE to all you moms out there that are feeling the need to DISCOVER what you should be doing with your time. You love your family and want to watch out for them, and yet you feel the need to be everywhere- all the time- meeting everyone's needs. And LORD HELP US!!! Facebook, social networking, the internet, emails, invites, and PINTEREST (I love that website!) can make us feel like we are less than the average woman. Maybe this fall, instead of tackling the to-do lists, you can give yourself permission to settle down on the outside so you can start to settle down on the INSIDE! Get yourself a brand new notebook, find a quiet spot, and begin to let the Lord lead you in HIS direction this season! Don't allow that busy world to influence the way you lead YOUR daily lives. You are a child of God- created in His image. He has something new for you to discover, and it will come when we spend more time WITH HIM, not with our check-lists! Go Back-to School- find out what God is saying to you, what things HE wants you to learn! I am challenging myself to refocus this fall on being a better student in the Word, and and definitely I hope to become a better listener!
Love and Prayers for you this Friday :)
This was my FAVORITE book as a child- Now it is one of my kids favorite too!
