That is not a lot of bubble gum...

So what does bubble gum and the first day of school have in common you ask?  Well, in order for you to understand that, I must go back to last week and our wonderful All-Staff Day.  For those of you that perhaps aren't aware, I am again on staff at the school this year and I am very excited to be part of such a great team.  Last Wednesday was all about teamwork and how together we can do more.

We had an amazing speaker by the name of Leroy Sloan who spoke in the morning and I was very inspired and motivated by his message (may have to save that one for another post).  Then after lunch we heard from Jocelyn Freeman who spoke to us about our mission and how it incorporates into discipleship.  She began by reminding us that a mission is an important assignment that is carried out for a purpose.  Then we were directed to look at the centrepieces on our table that were containers full or partially full of bubble gum.  The bubble gum represented the weeks in a child's life.  There are 937 weeks in a child's life from birth until grad and 636 weeks with our students from Kindergarten - Grade 12.  So therefore, the bubble gum represents our time with these students - our children.  And that is the time that we have to speak into their lives and make a lasting impression. As they move forward in years, the less time we have with them to lead and guide them.  As a school, each teacher is part of our children's lives and becomes part of their story.  Think back to the teachers you remember who impacted you and how they have become part of your story.  We all need each other to impact and influence our students for the greater glory.

Each child has phases and stages of development in their life in which we can make a lasting impact.

Kindergarten - Grade 1 - We need to love with our words and arms and pray for specific opportunities to show them God's love in our words and our actions.

Grade 2 - Everything is fun for children at this stage (and beyond, as I am finding).  It reminds me of Jaret, Ben, and McKinley and how they laugh over the peace symbol and are always showing the peace sign.  Peace out - and then they laugh hysterically.  During this phase, we need to pray for opportunities to be creative in discipleship.  

Grades 3-4 - Children at this stage are so curious as they ask so many questions and always think you have the answers.  Yep, I get this stage as Jaret is in this stage and the questions N-e-V-e-R seem to C-e-A-s-E.  It is at this time that we must pray that they are asking the right questions, directing them in asking questions related to their own faith to allow them better understanding and growth.

Grade 5 - Children at this stage are developing confidence in who they are and are deepening their relationships into finding a best friend.  We need to pray for opportunities to encourage and affirm our children.  "I see this gift developing in you..."

Grade 6 - This is the time of growing children who consume - food, food, and more food.  It is also the time of hormones.  During this phase we need to guide them as they push the boundaries and we need to pay attention as they step into unchartered territories as they are trying to figure out what they truly believe, not just what their parents believe.  We need to set the standard and engage them as they develop their relationship in Christ.  "You can do this and meet this expectation because I see this ____, in you.)"

374 weeks left...and counting...

Grades 7-8 - All that matters to children in this stage is friends and going along with the crowd.  This is the time in the life of a child when they are playing the popularity game and everything is cool. We need to pray that we will find opportunities and have the wisdom to speak into these adolescents and help grow them in their relationship with Christ.  

Grade 9 - At this phase in life, we see a friendship shift.  Friends are still important but grades start to matter and they are refocusing in their lives.  The students are saying, "This is who I am."  We need to reach them at this point.  If we haven't reached them by now, it is less likely that we will reach them after this point.  But that isn't enough to stop us from continuing on with the job we have as teachers and parents.  Prayer for stability and communication is key during this stage.

208 weeks left...and counting...

Grade 10 - In this stage it is not uncommon to hear, "Everyone else is doing it, why can't I?"  It is at this time that we need to talk about the why behind the no and not always regarding the negative. Instead...why not help others?  Why not find your identity in Christ?  We need to instill fundamental truths in our children at this stage and be prepared for the challenge to challenge and to have the conversations we need to have.

Grade 11 - At this point, there is usually (usually), less drama as the students are beginning to think more about their future and there is more focus on grades.  They answer questions with, "Just trust me."  A phrase to have faith and trust.  To trust them at his point and to trust them to do the right thing.

At the beginning of Grade 12 we only have 52 weeks with our children.  52 weeks and counting until they may be moving away from home for university...

Grade 12 - Our children start pulling away as they look to the future.  They are not completely here and feeling unsettled as they explore life.  They are doing many things for the last time which is sentimental.  We need to pray for opportunities to walk alongside them during this season and help them rely on Christ and trust the foundation we have laid for them.

When you see the bubble gum that fills those weeks, it really isn't a lot of bubble gum...As parents and as teachers, we must teach our children and disciple them in the short time that we have with them.  As we live our life for Christ and live intentionally, we need to bring others alongside us. Together we help to raise up these young children to become men and women of God.   Together we all play a part and we can achieve so much more when we join together in this mission.

The first day of school is always exciting but also a little nerve wracking and sentimental.  Last night, Kirra was so eager for school to be starting and she was dancing around the kitchen island singing, "Yay, I can't wait for school to start tomorrow!"  She kept going and going and it just brought a smile to my face.  Although it is hard to believe Kirra is starting Grade 1 and I have a son beginning Grade 4 (who will soon celebrate a birthday and hit double digits), I feel blessed by the school that joins with Terry and I in raising our children.  I feel grateful for the church we are part of that helps to influence and grow our children to desire to follow God with all their heart.  On my own, I can do nothing.  It is my God's grace and His strength.  It is with the community we are part of that helps to raise these children up.  I am excited to experience each of these stages with my children and pray for wisdom in this journey - it is such an adventure.  

Grateful for a wonderful first day of school for my children.  They were both excited to share things from their day and hearing their stories and perspective on the day just made me so full of joy!  These are the moments to cherish.