WONDER
Early in my professional career, I was first an elementary school teacher and then became an elementary administrator. I absolutely loved my job, especially the beginning of each school year when the students walked in the door — some for the very first time — on the first day of school.
The excitement and anticipation was always memorable to me. I have a picture of my granddaughter, Adeline, that captures the very thing I'm talking about … it's a look of “wonder" in Adeline's eyes as she is sitting in the car with hands on the window sill, a full backpack donned, gaze transfixed waiting her turn in the drop-off line — watching, waiting, looking with anticipation, excited and anxious for what is to come as my daughter-in-law, Ashley, delivers Adeline on her first day of kindergarten.
As both teacher and assistant principal, all I saw when we opened those doors was one opportunity after another filing in to find their place in a building; for a season, a place of learning, cultivation, and growth in these students' lives. It would be a “new world" for lots of children.
And, while new beginnings might bring excitement for some, for others it may evoke fear and anxiety.
I saw this frequently and have experienced it myself during the many adventures God has had for me. I have learned that by opening new doors of opportunity for me to walk through, God would walk through them with me.
One such door that God called me to was a second career in counseling. I wrestled with God at first about this calling, but it was clear from the start it was the path I was meant to follow.
Entering graduate school again at my age left me feeling like Adeline on her first day of kindergarten. I was, in fact, the oldest in the class, which made me stand out from the beginning. It did make me anxious, but the excitement of learning something new, something God called me to do, just took over.
I think it was that same “wonder" I saw in Adeline that first day of school. Wonder that is hard to describe, yet anticipates so much.
A verse that has always brought me peace with new beginnings in my life is Proverbs l6:S — “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (NASB)
Another verse that gives great comfort to all of us who might experience a bit of fear and discouragement as we begin something new is Isaiah 4l:l0 — “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
What will it be for you at the beginning of yet another school year? Will you look on with “wonder" and enter with anticipation? This new beginning might be a mixture of nerves and excitement, but don't forget these doors just might be opening to your future full of possibilities and opportunities.
Published “Celebrate Arkansas” August 2022