When my kids were little and the end of the school year sped around the bend, I didn’t necessarily greet it with buckets of enthusiasm. After all, it meant the calmer daytime hours were about to be no longer so. Even if we did enjoy more of a laid-back schedule, entertaining and caring for the kids while my good man worked and traveled was no laid-back task.
But now that I have two kids in high school and one finishing 5th grade, I cannot wait for them to be done. I tell ya, I am clawing, crawling, and scratching my way to the finish line of this school year. Maybe it’s because of the way our district does its calendar (the boys had Freshmen orientation on July 31th. July 31th!), but it seems like the end of school sauntered this year. And I am officially shaking my finger at it saying in my best mom voice, “Where in the Sam Hill have you been?”
These last couple weeks, I’ve done more food-cooking, minivan-driving, project-supervising, activity-participating, and appointment-making-and-completing than I’ve done in the last five months. But you know what? The finish line is here, thank you Jesus. Today is the last day of school, and I am going to dance because of it–just as soon as I take a well-deserved nap.
I read somewhere recently that May is the new December, and I couldn’t agree more.
Many of you with children won’t be finished with school for a few more weeks. But if you do find yourself approaching a highly anticipated finish line of one kind or another, may you keep on keepin’ on ’til you feel the tape tear across your chest. May you have more than a few moments to sit down, catch your breath, and savor the wind in your hair. And may you know the joy of success found in completion rather than perfection.
#GirlMeetsChange
And if you are going through a particular change or transition right now, will you let me know about it with the hashtag #GirlMeetsChange? A couple days ago I posted a momentous one for our family on my beloved Instagram. I’d love to see yours as well!
What I’m Reading:
A short while ago I finished Melanie Shankle’s Nobody’s Cuter Than You. It was a perfectly delightful read told in Mel’s characteristically funny, engaging voice. I downed it faster than a can of Big Red.
Right now, I’m reading the nonfiction book The Gift of Being Yourself by David G. Benner. I’m only on page 34 (it’s 114 pages total), but I already love the way Dr. Benner describes the importance of receiving the gift of our self-in-Christ rather than trying to create a version of ourselves that isn’t from him. It’s a very freeing and purposeful read.
I started The Distant Hours several weeks ago but have yet to finish it. It’s not my favorite of Kate Morton’s books (I liked The House at Riverton and The Forgotten Garden much more), but I will see it to the end.
What I’m Doing:
photo credit
Our family is following along with and investing in this stunning display of hope right here.
What I’m Buying:
photo credit
Sevenly is an organization that invites customers to purchase products designed by a selected artist. For every item purchased, $7 is donated to a selected charity. This week, Sevenly is partnering with TAPS to help military families of fallen soldiers. $7 from any shirt in their Red White & Blue collection goes to TAPS. I purchased two of them because, well, I love this one and this one. Plus it’s my birthday next week so happy birthday to me!
What I’m Listening to:
This one on repeat:
I know that amazing feeling when three of for children have completed educational goals. Glad I have a three day weekend to digest it all. Daughter #2 graduated yesterday with honors in Anthropology, daughter #3 graduated last Saturday afternoon with honors in Child Developement. Daughter #1 is a Diesel Mechanic and school bus driver. Still have 19 year old son home, but he is finished with college classes for the next month.
Typing through happy tears.