First Day of School

First Day of School

I sit in my garage, looking over the school supply list for my two school returnees. Surrounded by bags from various stores I sort pencils, paper and various art supplies into backpacks. Hours of shopping prepared the way for the big event, the first day of school.

The kids jig and dance, anticipating seeing their friends after a summer packed full of activities. They talk about who will say what. They giggle about who will do what. They whisper, wondering what the new school year will bring. Electrified anticipation zings through the air.

I wipe a tear. Where did the summer go? It slipped away behind kid's camp and family camp and swimming lessons. It slinked behind Grandparents' visits and birthdays. Soon the days passed, time spent, never again to be retrieved. Tomorrow my children step into a different dispensation, the school dispensation.

The high order of school takes over as I drop my smiling-faced offspring at the entrance of its institution. It administrates my time with their dear souls, dictating my schedule and ordaining my banishment from their presence for seven hours of my day. I cower over my steering wheel as I leave its presence.

The school bell rings. The day is through! My munchkins giggle and chortle and dance to the van, shouting their news to my ears that long to hear every word. A smile spreads across my face; I have my wee ones back again.

Yes, the first day of school brings great emotion. It pushes me forward, forcing me to let go, reminding me to make the most of every moment I have with these living treasures of God.