Well, the kids are heading back to school today. I probably say this every single year, but this has been the shortest summer ever. It’s also been weird. I feel like I never really got my footing this summer.
In years past, I’ve had chore charts and daily schedules. A little reading and math each morning, library visits on Tuesdays and pool days on Thursdays, a fun outing on Wednesdays. You know I love a good schedule.
But this year has been so different. Brienne’s graduation took over May, then our super fun family vacation took over a couple weeks in June, the kids were gone for 2 weeks in July, and in the meantime, we threw a little COVID in the mix.
So while normally, the end of summer is spent cramming in as much fun as possible, going to water parks and buying school supplies and back-to-school clothes shopping, this year we spent it huddling at home, waiting out our dumb quarantine.
I’m over it.
Anyway.
One morning, I was praying within earshot of my kids. Praying over the school year and all that entails.
“Lord, help my kids be a light in the darkness,” I whispered quietly.
Suddenly I heard a small voice beside me.
“Mommy, I like the dark. I not scared of the dark.”
As I snuggled sweet Jillienne in my arms, I thought about what she had said.
It’s true – we don’t need to be scared of the darkness. Because we know Who ultimately wins in the end.
But the world can be a scary place, pulling us in all directions, toward things that are not good for us.
I’m particularly thinking of Brienne right now as she heads off to college soon. Will she let her light shine? Will she remain bold in her faith? Or will she allow others to pull her into darkness? I know all too well how easy that path can be.
But I’m also thinking of my other kids as well. Vivi and Jonah are getting older (it’s Jonah’s last year of elementary school!), and I know the desire to fit in is strong. Will they be bold and brave? Will they stand up for what is right and good?
John 8:12 says this:
Then Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
I’m really just now learning what it means to walk with Jesus.
Now.
As a 45-year old, who has been a Christ-follower for most of her life.
I’m just now learning to ask Jesus what He wants from me each day. And still, more often than not, I forget to ask Him before I plunge ahead with my plans, my desires.
So obviously I cannot expect perfection from my kids.
But I can encourage them to be kind, to be loving toward those who need a friend, to shine the Light of Jesus as best as they can.
Because, as Jillienne so eloquently reminded me, we don’t have to be scared of the dark.
How will you be a light in the darkness today? I would love to hear your thoughts.