Driving out of my neighborhood this morning I noticed something different at the bus stop. The crowd was larger than I remember it being this spring. Then I realized what was happening when I saw all the cameras. A number of children today became celebrities. It was their first day of school. They were posing for the parent paparazzi as they stepped onto a school bus for the first time. In the crowd there were kids who were nervous, moms who were emotional, and dads who were realizing they have a little more than a decade to save for college. I actually talked to a dad last night, whose son’s first day of school was today. It was fun to encourage him. I said, “You do know that in about two times the amount of time you have lived with your son, you are going to be taking him to get his driver’s license.” He responded, “Thanks a lot. I don’t know that I want to think about that.” This is just one of the firsts that our kids experience that change the dynamic of family life.
- Saying their first words
- Taking their first step
- Going to school their first day
- Driving a car for the first time
- Attending their first semester of college
And in between all of those firsts there are a lot of other firsts (Their first bike ride, their first test, their first dance…). It goes on and on, and it goes really fast. Every first is a mile-marker. It launches them, and those of you who are parents into a new rhythm of family. It was a little bittersweet for me to observe families at the bus stop today. It really didn’t seem that long ago, when my kids were getting up and heading to Midway Elementary School. Now our youngest is in her first year of college. So my only advice today is to keep the camera in your hand because you are going to need it. Do whatever you need to do to make sure you don’t miss it.
What firsts do you think have made the most significant change in your family life, so far?
Today was the 3rd day of school for my oldest son, Joshua. Although last week he experienced his official first day of 1st grade, today was a different kind of “first” for us. Last week his teacher encouraged the kids in the class to bring their favorite book to school on Monday. This morning I reminded Joshua that he could pick his favorite book to take to school – any book that he wanted. Of all that he could have chosen, he decided to bring his Bible. Without hesitation, that’s the book he chose. I realized I was nervous for him the minute I placed it in his backpack. I prayed with him before he left and sent him into a possible hostile environment. It’s just an elementary school, but it’s also a public school. I am uncertain as to what the response will be to his bold decision. Yet, I am hopeful that he will not encounter any resistance from his teacher for bringing it. So today was the first time my son took his Bible to a public school. Regardless of the response he receives today, I have the knowledge that God is with him, guarding his heart and protecting him even when his father and I cannot. And I am confident that this will not be the last day he makes a decision to be open about his faith in a place where it is not so well-received. I am so very proud of him.
I’ll be sending my oldest to Kindergarten in just two short weeks, but it seems like just yesterday we were standing in the hospital room the day after his birth as the Pediatric Cardiologist checked his heart murmur. In that fear-filled moment I had no idea what a difficult and beautiful adventure parenting our first child would be. Now almost six years later, I am preparing to send him to school armed with his backpack, Thomas lunch-box, and fiesty smile!
I’ll definitely be joining the paparazzi that day as our first child goes to his first day of Kindergarten, and my 2yr old and 16 month old will probably wonder why Mom’s crying all day!
Great post, thx Reggie!
I love this post. I’m still a year away from sending my son to kindergarten, however, the “first” that has impacted me the most at this point in our life was the first time I had to apologize to him and ask his forgiveness. I think that sometimes as a dad you want to stay bigger than life. And often is the case (and it should be) forgiveness requires a good dose of humility. I loved his response as only a 4 year old could give. “It’s o.k. dad, I accept your apology”. Then came the really tight hug. Those moments of first where we connect with each other relationally as father and son are by far my favorite moments so far. I know that I’m on the front end of the “first” but I appreciate the reminder to hold onto the moments. Thanks.
Garrett,
I remember asking a college guy several years ago, who I had a lot of respect for, what he thought his dad did right. He said, “One of the best things my dad did right, was his willingness to admit it whenever he did something wrong. He taught me how to say, ‘I’m sorry.’” I know it was your first one, just don’t let it be your last. Not that I think you will ever do anything else wrong