Back to school. Three little words that hold the power to send shivers down my spine. And not the good ones, like when your husband comes home and states, “Honey, I just got a big bonus today!” I’m talking shivers you experience when someone scares you half to death by jumping out from behind a good hiding place.

Parents are split on this topic of back to school. Some are thrilled and relieved. Others, like this sentimental old gal, are overcome with nostalgia and sadness. Even now, at the end of July, fall is making its presence known. The evenings have a crisp coolness to them and I’ve noticed a few leaves turning.

When I was a little girl, my Dad would go into a funk when my sister and I returned to school. We had a lake cabin on Sakakawea and spent our weekends and vacations there. Activities included sailing, 4-wheeling, hosting family reunions, having sleepovers in our play house, swimming, and enjoying our “cabin” friends.

My Dad adored family time and never attempted to stifle his irritation when we’d go back to school mid-August in order to start basketball practice. He was a HUGE proponent of resuming school after Labor Day. I’m sure if he were alive today, he’d be quite pleased with our area’s recent changes to the school calendar.

I take after him in many ways, ESPECIALLY as it pertains to my intense aversion to fall. I love its colors, cooler days, and the pumpkin patch. But sending my kids off for a new school year always fills my heart with sadness. It always seems as if we’ve been cheated somehow. That summer wasn’t nearly long enough. That we didn’t accomplish all our fun plans. That the weather was crummy all of June.  Shouldn’t that be enough to delay start dates till October?

When I see the patio furniture and grilling accessories start to clear out at Target, my radar goes up. It’s a rude awakening to know that soon that entire section will be filled to overflowing with notebooks, all things Crayola, Elmer’s glue, every character imaginable plastered on thermoses and backpacks, fresh #2’s and brightly colored sticky notes.

That scene reminds me that although my boys may spend a great deal of time bickering or tattling on each other; although my house is in shambles because we’re going all the time; although my devotional life suffers and feels anemic with little time to myself; although I tire of coming up with lunch ideas and coaxing them to drink their smoothies and eat their veggies; and although there’s always footprints on my wood floors from their sweaty, little sandaled feet … all of this too shall pass.

So, thank you Target and all of you big box stores for shaking me out of my slumbering stupor. For reminding me to relax, enjoy and make the most of these fleeting summer days.

Yes, fall is fast approaching and soon I’ll be longing for a rewind button. I thank God for the opportunity and blessing to stay home with my boys and the gift of time and togetherness it affords me. My prayer is that in all seasons, I redeem the time He’s given me, stewarding it wisely and cherishing every day with my two gifts.

What are your feelings as your kids prepare to start a new school year? 

(If your nest is empty, with no little ankle biters at your feet, you may have to re-invent yourself as I did four years ago. Volunteer, go back to work, join a Bible study, help a friend in need. The possibilities are many. Although you miss your little ones, you will soon find that your days are full and there’s much to be learned and avenues to be explored. You now have the time to invest in others and in yourself, deepen your relationship with the Lord, and find out what else -- other than child rearing -- makes your heart sing.)