School has started, another summer has passed. Labour Day is over and anxiety fills the air. As I listened to mothers last week, I heard and felt their anxiety. Whether her child is homeschooled, attends a school, or is headed off to post-secondary education, she ponders and wonders:
- What will this new year bring for my child?
- Will my child with a learning difference grow in confidence and competence this year?
- Is this the year he will crack the code of learning…for life?
‘Twas the Night Before School Starts
…’twas the night before school starts, when all through the house,
All the creatures were stirring, even the mouse;
The clothes were laid out on the bed with great care,
The lunches in the fridge were ready to share,
In hopes that the morning routine would be smooth
And the new teacher and classroom and friends would be ‘cool’.
This mother is holding her children in the depths of her heart.
…’twas the night before homeschool starts, when all through the house,
All the creatures were stirring, even the mouse;
The curriculum chosen for each child with care,
With generous amounts of mom to share.
In hopes that this year would be filled with success and ease
And the children would flourish in this environment, please!
This mother is holding her children in the depths of her heart.
…’twas the night before university/college starts, when all through the house,
All the creatures were stirring, even the mouse;
The boxes and bags and furniture – all packed with care,
The words of wisdom and texts and best wishes are shared,
In hopes that the friends would be of great worth
And that adventures plus study would offer unlimited growth.
This mother is holding her children in the depths of her heart.
Oh, the heart of a mother!
Motherhood is a great honour – to nurture and love and influence another life is an awesome responsibility. Who knew that the day you became a mother you would forever be connected with that child: forever be concerned for their well-being; forever be holding them in the depths of your heart? As you step into this new year, dear mother, I hope it helps to know that just as you hold your children in the depths of your heart, God, their Creator, holds them close to His heart. He knows their every thought, their every care and He goes with them into each moment of every day.
And so, we, once again, release ourselves and our children into His loving care.\
Happy new school year to all, and to all a good-night!
* This reflection is a a spin-off of the famous Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore
