A Time for Every Season

Well, it’s back to school time and I must tell you this is one of the most exciting times of the year for me.  Our new year basically starts now in the Quimby household.  Part of this is because I am a teacher, but I have always felt this way.  There is just something fun about new clothes, shoes, backpacks, school supplies and lunch boxes. It’s that time of year when I start meal planning again, trying to stock the freezer with some crockpot meals.  Last week, we did the Sam’s Club trip where we get the “lunch things.”  While I have loved summer and all the amazing fun memories we created, I’m eager for this next season.  Already, I am able to sense it in the air as cooler breezes and evenings are upon us. The feeling of autumn is right around the corner.  

      This year our boys start Kindergarten which brings so many emotions.  It truly is a mountain top moment!  I still remember the many days and nights I cried to have a baby. Then I remember crying happy tears when we found out we were pregnant with twins. More crying came when they were fighting for their lives in the NICU for three months. And of course there is still more crying as they grow and develop while meeting milestones we never knew would be possible.  I have so much to thank God for!  So while it’s sad because they are growing up and already going to Kindergarten.  It is also so incredibly Awesome that they are going to KINDERGARTEN!!!  Our Lil Miss is also starting Pre School this September.  She is so eager and excited.  It’s been fun for her getting her back-to-school things too!  All in all the Quimbits are as ready as they can be to Go Back To School!

This is a big year for me too.  I am switching grade levels which meant moving my room. All of you teachers know the work it is to pack up a room and then put it all into another room.  It was a great reason for me to sort and throw away.  I’ve been in education for 12 years now and having a mother who was in education for 40 years means I have accumulated a lot!   While it is a blessing to be given materials, I tend to get overwhelmed by too much stuff!

My heart has always been in Kindergarten and I am delighted to go back to teaching it this year. I have loved teaching first and second grades too. There is something almost magical about teaching primary children.  Their eagerness, wonder and joy make being a teacher truly one of the best jobs in my opinion.

So my life the past couple of weeks has involved hours of getting Kindergarten ready!  There are 21 sweet littles in my class so far.   I have been writing their names on what seems like everything, organizing, planning and setting up for my new learning family.  I cannot wait to meet them. I’ve also been praying for them and for myself.  I hope to meet their needs the best way possible.  I truly believe God places each and every child in my class who I am meant to teach.  I consider it a joy and a privilege.    So my room is as ready as it can be and I am ready to welcome 21 lil students very soon!

I think of Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To every thing is a season, a time to every purpose under heaven."   As September marks many new beginnings for our family I want to take hold of that: "there is a purpose for it all under heaven."  Not only are our young ones starting a new year in Kindergarten or Pre School, or for myself a new grade level,  my husband is beginning a new season of ministry in his life as well.  There are so many new things that it makes me a tad fearful but also extremely excited!  To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under heaven.  God has amazing purpose for our lives in all seasons.  We must put Him first and seek His counsel.  Sometimes we just need to make a change and step out.  He promises to always be with us.  And I do not know about you but I am so incredibly thankful for that promise. In Dueteronomy 31:8 we read, "Be Strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you.”  

    I hope you have a great start to your school year!  May it not be too stressful. May you feel a sense of order in a time that gets so crazy. May you be able to celebrate how far your children have come and what they will become.  May you be able to embrace joy through the tears when they step onto that bus.  May you be able to boldly yet simply believe  there is a season for everything, a time to every purpose under the heaven.  God bless you and your family. May the 2015-2016 school-year be amazingly wonderful!

Love, Jen