...of "Cameron's" going to school now

Have you ever been so excited that you became frustrated that whatever your excitements’ cause made you cry? How about being so excited that it seemed as if you were crested with caffeine? Or maybe your excitement had you not thinking clearly. I, not personally, experienced these feelings this morning.

"Cameron's" first day of school is today. He was so excited that the waiting time frustrated him. Tears formed in his precious eyes and he asked, “Why it haf to take so wong for my cwass to come?” Trying not to show my irritation as a result of his frustration, I told him that it was not 0830 yet. Of course he asked me the time!

My son, my “Lumps,” sprinted through the house this morning eating, brushing his teeth, washing his face and getting dressed. He even had the audacity to go through his backpack to make sure that I’d put everything in there! His tenaciousness caused him to check his backpack, ensuring that I’d put everything in there! "Cameron's" rapidly changing of gears warranted my questioning self; “Were the eggs I used this morning laced with caffeine?”

Once 0830 FINALLY arrived, I told my son that it was time and here comes his teachers. Oh boy, he did not know what to do with himself! Poor thing, his mind was so clouded that he tried to get out of his car seat although it was still buckled. “Cameron-man, you have to get unbuckled first.” You would have thought it was his first time releasing the thing because of all the racket he was making! My man-child, …”With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” Genesis 4:1 NIV, vaulted from his seat as if he’d hit an eject button and frantically began to search for his backpack that was ON THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF HIS SEAT!

We got it together and approached his teachers and classmates. The only son that I have right now, turned to me and said, “Bye mommy! See you waider!” "Cameron" then walked away seemingly with no fear or uncertainness; he was ready, this is what he wanted. After I got in the truck and started to put my seatbelt on, I heard my little boy’s voice, “Mommy! I forgot to give you a hug!” YES! Priceless! His mama needed that!

Jesus’ mother, Mary, treasured things about her Son in her heart. Now that my son is in school, being about the business of expanding his learning and, (this I am positive of because I’ve witnessed "Cameron's" crusade for God), being about our LORD’s business, I understand what the seasoned mothers meant by telling me to treasure the time that my blessings were home with me. Now, I too like Mary, can treasure these things in my heart.

“Why were you searching for me?” ‘he asked.’ “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what He was saying to them. Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:49-52 NIV

"Janelle" cried when "Cameron" got out of the truck! Awwwww



"Camerons'" first day of school

...of the comparison makes sense in my mind!

Today I must enter a sterile room, lie on a flat table-like bed, rest my feet into holders and brace myself. For a few moments, I will have to endure some uncomfortable circumstances while answering a few questions. Someone will be speaking to me in a gentle, reassuring voice, only perpetuating the already uncomfortable situation. I guess these people have been trained to respond this way. When all is done, I will be informed that results will be available within a week’s time and if all is well, I will not have to repeat this process until next year.

Is there an easier and not so uncomfortable way?

Participating in this annual check-up reminds me of spiritual growth. The only difference, for now, that I can see is that our spiritual growth is not annual; it’s everyday. We may not recognize it, but each day is a check-up.

When I am in the middle of writing and I’m a “good part,” it is then that my kids wake up or want something. Of course I get irritated and ask them to give me a minute or I tell the child to go back to bed because it’s not time for him/her to get up! This moment is a chance to exercise unselfishness, a moment to let my child know that he/she is important. It’s more beneficial to click the save button and tend to my baby’s need. YES, it is uncomfortable for me to walk away from writing, my therapy, but wouldn’t it be more uncomfortable to hear God tell me that I have missed the point?

In comparing the annual female check-up and spiritual growth a little more, they have to happen; yet, I act as if it’s a foreign policy. I know what to expect, the examining physician talks me through the process in an effort to calm me. He or she informs me of each move they are about to make; really, there are no surprises.

God tells me what to expect as a result of living my life for Him. He too does this so that I may respond in a glorifying way and not be surprised.

However, I must admit, in spite of all the “foreknowing,” I still do not look forward to either. :)

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” 1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV