When I watched each of our kids walk into the unknown this week, heading back to school, fear and faith mingled together in my heart.
The unknowns are challenging and we are each navigating them day by day.
As challenging as this all is, something I think is so important to do is to reflect to our kids who they are becoming because of this experience.
They are growing in courage, bravery, patience, perseverance and resilience. They are becoming better listeners, friends, and community members because of their responsibility to care for others, as well as for self. They are refining their character, from the inside out, because of the challenges they have been facing.
Yes, this year has been messy on so many levels, and our kids have missed out on some things. Yet rather than looking at the mess and what they have missed, I invite you to join me to...
pause. breathe. pray.
May we instead look at what they have gained and remind them who they are, what they have accomplished and who they are becoming because of all of this.
With love and hope,
Shawn
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” - Ephesians 4:29