September - A Beautiful Time For Change, With Help From Barbara D. MacAdam
CHANGE OF SEASONS:
Through the years, I’ve come to look forward to September as my favorite month of the year. By then, I’m starting to tire of the sweltering heat of the summer, and the once exciting anticipation of vacation is reduced to the hassle of packing and unpacking – not to mention the laundry that follows. Slowly, a quiet stirring within, prompts me to anticipate the inevitable change of seasons. It’s a time for letting go of the past and embracing the future. It’s a time to get re-organized around the house, get the kids ready for school and hit the re-set button. A fresh start that allows me to start thinking about the coming holidays, without all the stress!
BACK TO SCHOOL:
I’ve always thought of “back-to-school” time as somewhat bittersweet. On one hand, I tried not to let my excitement at the thought of getting a little “me time” back, overtake me in front of the kids. On the other hand, l (not so successfully) hid the single tear that escaped as I waved goodbye on their first day of school. Suddenly, that quiet house I longed for seemed a little too quiet. As for my kids… I could count on them having mixed emotions too, excitedly picking out their back-to-school outfits with joy, then packing their backpacks with trepidation.
Also, the thought of getting to know a new teacher could be a little intimidating for my children, and it could be overwhelming for their teachers to get to know them along with all the other new students. So, after things settled down a bit, I would have my children give their teachers one of my teacher’s blessings. It was my way of saying how much I appreciated their dedication, and to let them know that I would support their efforts throughout the school year. I believe we all work better with a spirit of cooperation and encouragement, and their teachers loved the kind gesture!
Making new friends and getting the lay of the land can be another source of anxiety, especially if they’re starting a new school. So, I always tucked one of my Pocket Blessings into their back packs. What better way to remind them that they’re not alone, and that God will help them on this new and exciting journey as they "rise & shine" each day. Last, but not least, try a little humor. I had a plethora of first-day fiascos to draw from, one sillier than the next and my kids loved to hear all about them. Sharing my stories and letting them know that I actually survived, went a long way in helping them see that this is just another chapter in their life’s story!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
People usually think of January as the time to start new habits and get reorganized, but I still think of September as the start of the new year – a throw-back to school days I guess. I find that I have more leisure time by the end of the summer to get organized, rather than in January, when I’m exhausted from the holidays. One of the things that helps me to stay in touch with my friends and family, is to mark my calendar with all their birthdays and anniversaries and buy all their cards in advance. Whether I worked or stayed at home with the kids, it just seemed like September was my last chance to get organized before the holiday kick-off. Even football season comes upon us without warning, so this little project still keeps me from forgetting what’s most important to me… my friends and loved ones. And it’s with this sentiment, that I ask God to bless you and your family as you experience the change of seasons this September!
To learn more, call us at 609-605-5880 or visit https://www.purplewishinggate.com/.
Barbara D. Macadam is the founder of the Purple Wishing Gate and the author/artist of our more than 80 blessings and poems for any occasion.
If you enjoyed reading this, then take a look at these related blogs:
Supporting Teachers Back To School Efforts During the Covid-19 Pandemic
What is the Best End-Of-Year Gift for Teachers?
Send Your Child Back To School With A Teachers Blessing
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