I am enjoying all of the cute back to school pictures on Facebook and Instagram. I too was that mom taking my kid’s first day of school picture outside the front door. When they were in elementary school I even went a step further taking one with their teacher in the classroom. Yes, the older they got the more impatient they were and eyes might have been rolled – but that didn’t stop me. In my son’s sophomore and junior year of college he had a sweet friend who took it upon herself to get a first day of school picture of each of her friends with backpacks in tow. She texted each mom the picture and I loved it! My daughter remembers the routine well and sent me a selfie this year on her fist day of classes.
I’m entering my second year with both kids living out of the house on a college campus. As I’ve been reflecting on their school years this week I realize it really did go fast. I’m also going to admit that I didn’t enjoy EVERY moment. I got bogged down in all of the busyness that I failed to realize it was slipping away so quickly.
There were the endless stacks of paperwork coming in the door, last minute poster board runs, forgotten bake sale items baked late at night, uniforms to wash, carpool runs, homework to help with, bedtimes to adhere to, early morning wake up calls and sack lunches to be made. Not to mention the countless field trips and classroom volunteering, the dreaded call from the school nurse because of a sick kid or worse yet, a call from the principal’s office!
After a full summer, the house is fairly quiet now and the laundry piles small. I’m adjusting my heart and routine once again. Although I am not in school myself or getting my kids to school each day, I still have a desire to learn.
I’m always amazed to read that Jesus actually said it was better for Him to ascend into heaven so that the promised Holy Spirit would come (John 16:7). No matter how it may feel at times, we have not been left alone or helpless.
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 14:26
One of the roles of the Holy Spirit in our lives is that of a teacher. We cannot possibly exhaust all there is to know about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. There is more to discover, more to learn, and more to receive as we lean into the Holy Spirit, our teacher.
I love that Mary Magdalene called Jesus, “Teacher” when He appeared to her outside of the tomb.
“Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).”
John 20:16
She could have called him “Deliverer” because He had delivered her from seven demons. But Mary had listened in as Jesus taught and lived out the Kingdom of God everywhere He went. Yes, He healed. Yes, He delivered. But He was always teaching.
My friends who are early elementary teachers are always amused when their students see them outside of school. Kids are shocked to discover their teacher has a life outside of school!
We haven’t been left alone. Not only do we have the Holy Spirit who teaches us but we also have the Word of God that teaches us.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4
The teaching of God’s Word should bring encouragement and hope!
“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16
The teaching of God’s Word should sharpen and thoroughly equip us!
Whether you are in a classroom this year or not you have an invitation to learn. An invitation to lean into the Holy Spirit. An invitation to open up the Word of God and allow it to teach you.
Let’s put on our new shoes, sharpen those pencils and put our listening ears on!
P.S. You can read my thoughts on an empty nest here:Empty Nest or Full Nest?
