Tag: Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Back to School

Published on by marycatherinethomas2 Comments

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)

School started back this morning here in the upstate. My facebook page is filled with first day of school photos of kids either very excited or the middle school and high school kids with sleepy expressions and that first day of school look. I smile with each picture I see, as I remember the feeling of the first day of school and I think of my daughter’s first day of school each year.

It is the feeling on mornings like this that the school year looms ominously ahead. Going back to having to wake up early, starting a schedule again, and the uncertainty of what the year holds. To me, it is a reminder of when to plan my shopping trips so that I don’t end up behind school buses making the thirty minute trip to town more like forty-five minutes.

My Little Man started his school year last week. He is homeschooled, and in the fifth grade. I know his fifth grade teacher is much better than my own. Of course, I also know my youngest is an excellent teacher. Little Miss starts early September. She will head into second grade.

This fall, my younger sister will realize she is a retired teacher. She retired in June, but, like every year previous, she had the summer off. She is now realizing that there are no lesson plans to get ready, no classroom to prepare, that school is out forever. In years past, she said school was a word off limits for the month of July and August. I remember hearing that and still I smile. I can’t help but feel a bit melancholy for her this year. She touched so many lives which in turn will reach future generations. I admire her.

So, as I think of this new school year, all bright and shiny with new pens, pencils and crayons that have points I pray for each teacher, student, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and staff that helps everyone run. May this be a year of joy. A year of learning, not only head knowledge, but heart knowledge. May there be peace and safety on the school grounds and on the bus runs. May our Lord bless those who touch our precious ones with learning.

Life

Published on by marycatherinethomasLeave a comment

This weekend is a long one. A weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July, or our Independence Day here in the states.

The days will be crowded with activities for many people here. Each family cramming enough time to celebrate with friends and family.

Since learning that I can go sling-less while at home, I once more had to come to a realization that I cannot do everything that I wish. I spent the last couple of days doing things, and planning a full weekend. I got as far as this morning and concluded that I am still not up to full speed yet. This was disappointing for me.

We had a wonderful dinner with friends last night. We sat and talked around the table and had dessert in their screened in porch and talked some more. We got home and knew we had a delightful time. Life is such a blessing when you have friends who are gifts to you.

The rest of the weekend reminded me of what life is. This afternoon is a wedding, a new beginning for a couple. The start of a lifetime of memories, joys, heartbreak, and laughter. I have been so excited for this couple and have been looking forward with them to this date. While I am thrilled for this day for them, we decided to stay home this afternoon and allow myself to regain some of the energy that seems to have departed.

Tomorrow is church and then we will be going to a funeral. A precious woman has moved to heaven. She was a high-spirited woman who enlivened any group she walked into. A gracious woman who lived her life with enthusiasm, love of our Lord and joy. We will go (Lord willing) to say our final good-bye to her after church.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.  A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” (NLT) This weekend, to me, shows that to be true. A couple beginning life together and a family saying good-bye to a loved one. In the midst of all of this is a celebration of a holiday. Families joining together, friends gathering, and observing the anniversary of a country being born.

Life is filled with many precious moments. Some life changing and some that pass with little notice. My hope is that your weekend will be filled with moments that nourish your soul.