This school year Shannon is a “yellow jacket”: in a class for 3-4 year olds. And it is the first time it’s actually feeling a lot like school and not just daycare.
The core group of kids she has been with since the 17 month class were divided up between two classes and this has brought some big feelings and opportunity for some lessons.
We had the conversation – and subsequent tears- at the idea of a new teacher. And then the incredible relief for both our hearts when her main teacher from last year is progressing up with her.
She understood a version of the school supply process and LOVED IT – her mama’s girl!
And we started talking and practicing some very real life skills, such as making new friends, including everyone, and what it means to mature past a stage (she was so excited to be on the big kids side and their playground… until she was not and missed the comforts of the little kid side).
The last few weeks I expected to have the experiences of: wow she is growing up, sadness for how fast it went, gratitude for our little community we formed here, and the reality check of summer slipping away. Turned out to be full of unexpected experiences: should I interject more into her world or less? Do I try and fix the things she is uncomfortable with? I am comfortable and stronger for doing this alone, I have risen to the occasion after all!
And just like that we were living in a new stage. From that new reality, one fact has struck me the most: for the rest of our lives Shannon and I will have to leave the comfort of our shared world and navigate the outside one. So giving us both truths to cling to and carry forward are vitally important. So now I plan to select a Bible verse for each school year.
My hope is this Bible verse will give the guidance we need to help develop a recognition of truth that can only come from clinging to faith. While also serving as a reminder in the future of what each season of life held that resulted in the selection of that specific verse.
This school year’s Bible verse is : “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20.
It was recently brought to my attention the importance of faith being rooted in the simple explanation that God is good and he can turn anything for good. This is so often referenced in crisis scenarios or extremely painful and unexpected situations- which is helpful. But it can mean we forget that God can do this with every single detail of our lives. If we are partnering our world with Him and doing our best to journey toward the life he has planned for us, then He needs to be involved with every aspect. ALL of it can be part of God’s plans for our life, even when the details can seem to be pointing to a wrong direction or a mistake with a detour has come up! Not for God – there are none of those. So offer it to him AND don’t be so quick to assume something is all wrong and at a dead end.
This way of thinking causes pause with every single little thing. Once you realize it, life has a shift from “ok now what”, which is a feeling of dread, worry, when the other shoe is dropping. To “ok…. What is next” which is a fact finding mission for the reality of life swirling around you and knowing God is working it all for good.
Our life is an example of this in the big way. From Shannon’s start on this earth it has been a lot of unexpected and in my human weakness I can often focus on the broken parts. However when I slow down and really think about the moment focused on her, being present with her: I have always been amazed at who she is, how she grows, and where life takes us. God has made his presence known and gotten us to the good parts, important parts and safe parts. That is how I want to live my life, relying on him and seeking more of the good then the bad.
While having that perspective it is also so important to cultivate a life that welcomes His presence. Taking things a little slower, finding ways to infuse peace over worry or fear, and making space for Him to communicate. That is the focus that is worth while for our whole family, instead of what’s different, late, not working out, or makes us have to always go go go.
This school year the Bessette family seeks to marvel at God’s appearances, be curious to learn his plans, and trust in His goodness, even if it is wrapped in a package we don’t recognize.
Shannon girl, this year you are turning into a big kid! Moving to the older classes, spending time on the big kid playground, and being challenged a little bit with play time in the gym with older kids, instead of the little tots room with a lot of toys. We have discussed having Jesus in your heart to feel brave and happy, how to make new friends, and how to be sure everyone is included. It has amazed me the growth we both are already experiencing and maybe most unexpectedly beautiful: that I get to walk with you through these lessons. My mama heart is feeling it, and also I can’t imagine a better privilege. Love you sweet girl – here’s to a great year!
Thank you so much for reading and remember to make it a great day!
Jackie
Have A Little Faith in We 