First Day of School

Well for our household the first day of school was chaotic, exciting and short. Laura was at school for half a day (8:40 a.m. to 11:33 a.m.) with thirty-some other Grade Twos. Hopefully the class doesn't stay that large for the whole year! Seeing the other kids at the school and hearing the stories of other parents reminds me of my excitement at going back to school--and also the dread of a regular schedule after the relaxed boundaries of the summer. It is a time of many emotions for our children and for parents and grandparents. It is a new beginning of sorts, new class, new friends, new things to learn. The Christian faith is all about new beginnings. The vision of John of Patmos (the bible book of Revelation) includes this statement:

And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true."

(Revelation 21:5 NRSV)

The most important new thing about the start of school is the beginning of a new community. Some of the kids and teachers return but there is always the formation of a new class and a new school community. The children know how important this community is--when asked children invariably say that the thing they are most looking forward to in the new year at school is to see their friends again. One of the things that those of us who go to church appreciate the most is our friends at church. In the community we experience the love of Jesus. Although schools are not communities of faith, they are communities and they are a source of love and care for our children. No wonder there is so much excitement!