"May the God of hope fill you with great joy and peace as you trust in him." Romans 15:13

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Beginning Again

It has been the noisiest, busiest, most enthusiastic and beautiful summer in the history of our family.  We have grown, expanded, and learned.  This season has been wild, crazy, action-packed, laughter-inducing, rarely-resting, deeply-bonding; it has forever changed me.  I will treasure it in my heart, always.

And yet, time marches on.

This very morning, I took Sierra's FINAL back to school picture by my front door.  Her SENIOR year of high school has officially began.



And Brenna Joy-Joy, my "original baby" headed off with her to begin her FRESHMAN year of high school.  



As is my pattern, I woke up very early to pray for their day, journal, and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee.  As I journaled, this prayer spilled onto my page.

New starts, Lord.  It's a time of new beginnings.  School begins today for Sierra and Brenna.  Brenna's first year of high school, and Sierra's final year.  Oh Lord, guide and protect them.  May it be a year in which they grow closer to You and to each other.  Show them how to lead, while following.  Give them gentle, humble hearts that love others with grace and truth.  Make them strong in You so that the ideas and opinions of others do not penetrate.  May I be a safe place of inspiration, wisdom, understanding, balance, and correction.  Draw us close, Lord, and fill us with Your joy.

They both gave me huge hugs as they left, and as I closed the garage door with tears sneaking down my cheeks, I felt so incredible grateful.  What a gift I have been given in these beautiful ones.

What an incredible gift.