Happy September! We had a great first day of preschool on Tuesday! Of course, Lydia did awesome. I kept it together (mostly) and tried to enjoy the change of pace as well!
Though, on Monday, Lydia played with several friends in the neighborhood. One last hurrah! Thankfully, Lydia was out of earshot when a little girl asked me:
“Where’s her father?”
Surprised at the question, I explained that he had been sick and is now in heaven. The little girl nodded her head with genuine concern and said, “Oh… that happened to my dog, too!” And then she went back to playing with the other kids.
What a perceptive little girl! She must’ve known all the other dads were at work. While I didn’t expect her question, I was glad she had the courage to ask. Her cute little response made me smile!
Then, on Monday night, Lydia and I talked about preschool as we ate dinner. I told Lydia how proud of her Dave would be. I also reminded her of what she could say if someone asks about him. It doesn’t happen often, but I want her to be comfortable and prepared.
After we laid out Lydia’s new outfit, a sparkly green dress, I painted her nails to match. Then, we read The Night Before Preschool and said our prayers. Lydia was asleep in no time. She was ready…
ME, on the other hand? …Let’s just say I needed some time with Jesus!
There wasn’t anything really ‘wrong.’ I was excited for Lydia!
But emotions welled up as I reflected on how far we’ve come—and my conversation with our new little friend. The actual words hadn’t bothered me; it was an honest question. But I was upset that we had to have the conversation. A subtle difference, sure!
I could’ve wallowed there for quite some time. Ahem. But I didn’t. I took it to Jesus, because I know He loves me so much. And praise God, He helped me turn it around!
I gave Him my sadness and concerns. I chose to praise the Lord with thankfulness instead. Then, slowly my heart grew glad as He reminded me that He will go with Lydia.
Now I’m taking a *wild* guess here, but I bet you are facing some changes or challenges of your own. Maybe it’s a really good transition you have been praying about, like a new job or school. Or, perhaps there are heavy burdens on your heart—things you didn’t see coming. An unexpected circumstance popped up and you don’t know what to do. Maybe you have been dealing with the same difficulties for awhile with no relief in sight.
Don’t worry. God’s got this!
At the beginning of the school year, teachers often conduct a basic review to assess what students have already learned. It can also be helpful for us to review all the trials God has brought us through. When we see our circumstances in the light of His goodness, we can see He has a plan. And, we can trust Him more going forward.
The Lord excels at turning trials into triumph!
(To be clear, I don’t look at how far I have brought myself, for that is not worth much.)
It’s the Lord who has carried me all these years. He is my Shepherd!
When I don’t know what to do, He is my Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace.
His Presence is always with me, and He will never leave me to fend for myself.
When I am afraid, He is Protector, my Shield, my Refuge, and my Defense.
He loves me with an everlasting love. (Which is A LOT!!)
I know God has good plans—filled with hope—for my future.
He always keeps His promises; He is faithful to complete every good work He starts.
Yes, it’s safe to say Lydia’s in good hands this year. Besides having wonderful, caring teachers, God’s got her covered. Of course He does…He loves her even more than I do!
And if you let Him, God will take good care of you too!
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Heavenly Father, thanks for all the ways You care for us. Help us make the most of these new opportunities. Help us grow in grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Questions: What changes or challenges are you facing? Do you believe God can handle it?
Yes, trials of all types and sizes seem to be looming big in my life right now. So much so that I ran my errands this morning with two different colored flipflops on and didn’t even notice until I got home and took them off! It’s a perfect example of what happens when I try to run my life myself. When I give it to God, much better things happen and I’m able to smile about the things that don’t go so well.
Ah, yes. Mismatched flip-flops! A sure sign that we need God…and more sleep!
Thank you Natalie for sharing such a great reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness! It was a much needed reminder for me! God is so good! Thank you for allowing God to use you to inspire others. You are a blessing?
Thanks so much, Krystal! I appreciate your kind words. Have a great day! 😀
I finally got my new computer!! So, I’m spending a bit of a quiet Sunday doing some catching up. Oh, my sweet Natalie, your wisdom always touches my soul. We all go thru so many times of change and challenge and God is right there beside us, encouraging, cheering, holding us; whatever we need. And usually before we know that we need it 🙂
Liv, the two colored flipflops are quit popular with Ollie. She likes to keep a pair here and a pair at home. Blue and green, I think they are, at present. And green and blue, depending on where she is when she slides into them. And you do know that our Olivia’s are both total fashionistas! You two precious little trend setters. So, yes, give your whole life to God, he wants and needs it. But keep on wearing two colors of flipflops. It make life a little more interesting. Love you girls to the moon and back!
Oh, I am glad you are “back” Aunt Deb! 🙂 That’s funny about Ollie and the flip flops. And thanks so much for your kind words. XO