Here we are, the night before Kindergarten and my sweet daughter will step out of my car and walk into a school where all things are new tomorrow. Is she ready for this? Am I ready for this? Here are the things I’m feeling at this moment: sick to my stomach, a little weepy, wondering how this all happened so fast, and to be honest, a little excited about more free time as well.
We have this book called Twas the Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing that ends with all of the parents crying instead of the children at the start of the first day. I can relate to this book. I had a dream a few nights ago that my daughter’s teacher had to gently ask me to leave as I was wailing. Hopefully, this will not be reality tomorrow as I drop her off.
I’ve talked to many other moms whose children are starting Kindergarten that feel the anxiety of letting their babies go. It’s another first in a world of firsts we’ve been experiencing the past five years. Changing their first diaper, eating their first solid food, taking their first step, hearing their first word, their first day of preschool, and now their first day of Kindergarten.
As I sit here with weepy eyes and a churning stomach, here is one truth that I know: God loves my daughter more than I could ever love my daughter. Although I think I may be in control of so many aspects of her life, I’m not, God is. He is with her wherever she goes: in the hallway, on the playground, in the lunchroom, everywhere.
Another truth I know is that God can use the smallest people to share the love of Jesus. My hope and prayer for my daughter as she starts Kindergarten in a public school is that she will talk about how Jesus loves her and how He loves every single person He created on this Earth.
So, as I wake up tomorrow and I walk my daughter into her Kindergarten class and then walk out (without being forced) I will remember these truths:
“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 future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of truth. – 1 Timothy 2:3-4
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
God’s got this, mamas.