I have had the distinct privilege of staying home with my little tribe for the past eight years and as the day all my children will be school-aged draws near, I have felt the impending turning of the pages that is happening in our story together. Motherhood has its places of empowerment and of strength, yet if I allow it, then I can become entrenched in resistance to loosen my grasp on their independence.
Investing years into three little hearts has been a refining honor that I do not take lightly and it is a depth of grace to stand witness as their emotions, choices, and responses to life peak with maturity. You know those layered questions that circle your thoughts:
Are they ready to face the world without me RIGHT there with them? Will the world show its kindness or its cruelty? Will they respond to others with grace as tension is faced? Will their hearts know loneliness and exclusion? Will they figure out how to open their lunch I send?”
If you’re in a similar situation, here are my words of wisdom for you.
Dear Mama,
The answer to all is yes, but because of your diligent efforts to raise them with love, they have beautiful lessons to teach this world in how they will learn to respond to it all and sometimes the teaching ground requires hard moments to build up character and strength. We are not stronger because we never face struggles, but because of them that we learn to RISE.
I have experienced the Kindergarten drop-off release twice and it is far from true that the third time makes it easier. In fact, releasing my youngest into those school halls is my hardest of heart and recently I felt comfort as I heard the words whisper to my spirit, you are still seen Mama, even though the time is changing.
We live in a culture where the fast-paced, highly-scheduled days consume one’s thoughts and the loud voices of the world almost shout in constant conversation. Yet, I have found even more recently that it is often in the faint whispers that strength is found and encouragement is received for the moment.
As you stand watching over your child’s courageous heart marching on the school bus or into those school halls, know that their little steps moving forward is a beautiful reflection of bravery and you have a place even here to be with them. Celebrate these moments of fostered independence you have been building into them from the beginning and know that they are indeed ready for this teaching ground.
As you encounter a new schedule of the day, you have the distinct privilege of receiving them home from school moments and asking them guided questions on all the things. Your ability to show up and care about their day speaks volumes of confidence-building into their spirit.
As you face situations where kindness was not chosen or tears from a moment lingers on, your response in grace to teach them vivid portraits on who they are despite others views will carry them on amidst conflict with love and not defeat.
When you make the switch from all-day hours with your children to shorter increments of time, you will face this time with an intentional pursuit to build up yourself and your home with purpose and with heart.
Your little ones are growing into strong, independent people who will influence this world with kindness and with love. Thank you for releasing your grasp and giving them this opportunity to SHINE and to grow.
You’ve got this mama, this chapter holds many beautiful things for you both.
