Sunday, August 18, 2013

August 6-18, 2013 A Verse for My Son…


“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

    I just did a search of my blog for this verse because it is a favorite, and I knew I had used it before. I have, three times, so on time number 4, I would like to dedicate it to my son as he’s the one in the greatest time of transition at this moment, and he needs this verse (so he can start memorizing it and holding it in his heart as I have for so many years) much more than me. 
     As he enters a new school tomorrow, in a new place very different from the one he came from, I know he is nervous. He does not know anyone yet at his school. He will be eating lunch there (which he has never done before because on the island, the school children go home for lunch), and he will be changing classes with 7 different teachers. He will have a locker, and he will not be able to ride his bike to school. He will have to either be driven or take a bus to get from school to home and to football practice and back each day. It’s not just a new school for him; it’s a brand new life, and I am nervous for him too. 
     Yes, it will be a change for me as well, and up to this point, when I have written and thought about this subject, I have been looking at it from my perspective. I have considered how much of a transition it will be for me, not having him with me on the island for the first time, but besides for him not being there, the rest of my life will remain the same.  Not so for my son.  EVERYTHING will be new.  I’m so glad I have been able to be here with him for these last two weeks of summer and for his first day of school because I now see it from his perspective, and I needed that.  I needed to stop worrying about how I was going to handle it and start supporting him in getting through it.  That’s what he needs me for now, and it gives me renewed strength and purpose through these changes, to be able to give back to him and help him in whatever small ways I can. 
     Worrying about how hard it is going to be for me does nothing, but seeing the changes through his eyes, allows me to be there for my son more fully. And knowing that God has it all worked out already and has our best interests in mind, including plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future, has always been comforting to me. I hope and pray my son will feel that same comfort and peace in God and in His plans too.  I promised my son the other night that “it will all be okay.” God never said it will be easy, but over the years, I’ve learned that if I put my trust in Him, it WILL all be okay! So, I feel confident in that truth. Love you son and Happy First Day of 6th Grade in your new home in the states!  It’s going to be great!!    

2 comments:

Stephanie Cline Finley said...

WOW!!! Incredible! I needed to see this sooo much Susannah. As we are in much of a similar transition with our lives right now...this hit home! I know Hannah and Mason would benefit from your words and strength and I, too, need to be strong and see this more through "their eyes and from their perspective". Thank you for the "reminder"!! I love you and I know God will take care of all of us!!
Zach....we hope you have a wonderful first day and that all of your days in 6th grade there are just as good! We love you all very much and miss you terribly!!
Auntie Stephanie

Jane Seelye said...

Beautiful insight Susannah! I will be in a similar situation with Eva next month and appreciate you sharing your experience, thank you. We hope Zach has a great year ahead!