It’s back-to-school time again. The first day of school used to be one of my favorite days of the year when I was in school myself. I loved the smell of new crayons, the feel of brand-new clothes, seeing all my classmates again, and being in my new teacher’s class. It was a world of wonder for me.
I do NOT feel that way anymore. As a matter of fact, my husband usually takes the day off to be with and distract me because I am so sad my children are gone. Many women suffer from postpartum depression, but I get post-aestas (latin for summer) depression. It usually only lasts a day, but *oof*… I miss those kids!
I LOVE having my kids home. People often say I should homeschool, but we knew early on that our family was called into the mission field of public school, but the separation is hard for me.
I have been reading through 1 Samuel 1-2 and I am awestruck by Hannah’s bravery in fully giving her son, Samuel, to the Lord. Though most of us don’t send our children to church to live with the pastor or send them away to boarding school, we do entrust our children into others’ care eventually. We entrust them to nursery volunteers, Sunday school teachers, preschool teachers, sports coaches, activity teachers and leaders, then to teachers (whether public school, private school, or college professors). We eventually entrust our children to someone else’s leadership and care.
There are a few remarkable things Hannah did that I’d like to focus on as our families ease back into school (in person, online or at home).
The first thing Hannah did was long for a child. She was in a precarious situation with a husband who loved her (though she was barren) and was married to another woman who gave him children. The other woman was vicious and cruel and boasted about her ability to have children. Hannah was in a sad situation.
Some of us went into parenthood viewing it as a long-awaited gift, like Hannah. Some of us weren’t ready to be parents and saw it as a shackle or a personal (or social) death-sentence. Many of us just thought it was time to have kids and so we did. No matter what we thought when we began parenthood, we must have a clear understanding that our children are a gift.
My husband says a sweet thing to me. “I wish I was married to you.” We’ve been married over 20 years now, so I giggle understanding that he got his wish and continues to.
Do your children feel that way? Do they know they are a gift and a blessing in your life?
God says they are:
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3
If you haven’t made it clear to your children that they are a gift in your life, show them today.
If your children already know, remind them!