Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert. — Isaiah 43:19

The Engelland girls on the first day of school in 2003. Anna was an afternoon kindergartner, Rachel in sixth, and Rebekah in third grade.

Back to school has put me in a contemplative mood. My three daughters started classes today, with Anna now a freshman in high school, Rebekah a senior, and Rachel beginning her junior year at Texas A&M. I can vividly remember going into labor with Anna just hours after Rachel’s kindergarten graduation. Now I have less than a year until Rebekah goes to college! Just another four years of having school age kids at home.

While I was often hurried, harried, and harassed, I know I’ve been blessed to be a part of this circus called parenthood. I won’t mind too much braving the crowds tonight to buy school supplies. Once your kid is in high school, they don’t get the supply lists until the first day of class. I’m looking forward to Rebekah’s cross country meets and meeting Anna’s teachers at mini-school. I will check my calendar and work in a trip to visit Rachel sometime this fall because the college days are special, too.

A new school year is a chance for new beginnings, but we always have that opportunity as followers of Christ. As Anne of Green Gables would say, “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.” With the kids getting older and losing my Dad this past year, I’m conscious of the passage of time and trying to be deliberate about making memories and counting blessings. Regardless of the changes we face in our lives– tough classes at school, kids growing up, losing people close to us, aging (had to buy reading glasses)–God has a wonderful future planned for believers. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” — Jer. 29:11

Sometimes changes are good and sometimes they are not ones we would choose, but God, in his grace and mercy, works all things together for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28). Not some of the things, or most of the things, but ALL THINGS.

Maybe when we go shopping tonight I will buy myself some new pens or a journal. I want to record ideas, goals, blessings, and God’s promises. Can you feel it? He is doing a new thing.