Hebrews 12:1-3

Yesterday, I mentioned how each of my youngsters felt about school. 

We are one day into the school year and I asked them tonight how they felt about it now. 

Before school started: 

With nose wrinkled, and corner of mouth drawn up in a wry grin, he said, "blah, I don't want school!"

Tonight, after he was tucked into bed, when asked how the first day went, 

he says, "Fantastic!!"

I think it was the blue shoes. 

Everything is fantastic in blue shoes.

Then there is Heather, the one who was neither excited nor dreading this day. 

Beforehand, she wondered about how her schedule would go,

 if she'd like her classes, 

and what friends she would be with. 

Her first day as a Freshman was a hit!

She liked her classes.

She was with various friends throughout the day.

She has 4 new kids in her class

and for Salisbury, this is really good!

Last, but not least, is my Senior, 

the one who most anticipated this day. 

She was excited to see her schedule and was ready to get this first day on the road. 

This girl was ready!

"I am Senior, hear me roar."

But tonight? 

The swagger had left. 

The day had been deemed "terrible".

Her classes, other than her electives, were not her preference.

Her best friends? Not in her classes. 

It is feeling like a very long year. 

Dear Amy, Heather and Ryan,

You survived your first day of school and I am proud of you as always. Go into that school and make a difference! Hold your heads high, befriend the underdog, respect your teachers, be courteous to those around you as they work like the custodians, the kitchen workers, the aides. Make it your goal each day to be a blessing to your teachers (yes, even the substitutes), your friends, your fellow classmates and your bus driver. Even when you don't feel like it, you may be just the person someone needs at this right time, this right place. You are at your particular school, in your grade at this time in your lives for a reason. You may never know what that reason is, but regardless, live each day to it's greatest potential. I'll be praying. ~Mom

Hebrews 12:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverancethe race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Love, 

Dianne