All Bright, Shiny and New

Look at these kids, don’t they look ready to take on a new year? I have concealer and Dr Pepper, so I’m totally ready. Today, I’m sharing seven things worth remembering from the week (and linking up with Jen, to boot).

School officially started this week for Team Whitaker. Luke starts after Labor Day and no, I have no idea what I’m going to do with myself three mornings a week. Lunch anyone?

So far, the initial reports are good. There have been no tears, new friends have been made, pictures have been drawn for teachers and we’re jumping right in with homework, after school activities and earlier bedtimes. Amazingly, I did not tear up this year. That’s a first.

My biggest school revelation came at the first school Mass yesterday.

We were blessed to have the Bishop celebrate Mass (talk about starting the year off right, y’all). During his homily, there was one thing he shared that I may just etch into my bathroom glass mirror.

“If Mary, at age 14 or 15 said yes to the Lord. So can you. I’m sure she was worried, carried some fear, but it is her words that remind us to trust God: ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.'”

It was at that point that so much worry I’ve been carrying around for many months, maybe years, began to slip away. I don’t know about y’all, but I think what Mary said took guts. And, it’s caused me to really think about the things I worry about, the things I carry with me all day, letting fester. What worry and anxiety do I unknowingly place upon my children?

As I see their shiny new backpacks, freshly pressed uniforms and those happy, well-rested faces, I am praying I not only remember Mary’s words, but put them into practice. Moms worry; straight up truth. But what if I worried and then handed it over to God and another mom who knows what it’s like to carry a mighty big cross? This is a new concept for me, giving the control reigns to someone else.

As fast as the summer went, I know all too well how quickly this school year will fly. To my seventh, fourth, third and first grader, live it up, y’all. Do something without asking and ask for forgiveness later. Forget to turn in a paper and talk to your buddy instead. Enjoy recess like it will last all day. Tell your teacher how much you appreciate her/him. Take some risks. Make some 100s, but don’t let them rule your life. Learn a little, laugh more and love the most. Let’s make the 2013-2014 school year our best ever. And, first-time school moms? I have some advice for you, too.

Won’t it be fun to see what God has in store for us? And, by *fun*, I don’t mean any more trips to Dell Children’s. Got that, God?