Columns In The Tennessean

Back to school is a blessing, not a curse.

Follow up:

Back in my day (Does that make me sound old, or what?) kids didn’t start back to school until after Labor Day.

It seemed the start of school came with those first, cooler mornings after summer.

Now it seems school starts earlier and earlier. And if you believe the TV commercials, it has become a major retail event and, like Christmas, the ads start earlier each year.

As a student, I remember mixed feelings about back to school. There was dismay at having to stop playtime, summer activities and get back to work mixed with excitement about starting a new year and seeing friends again.

As a parent, I have experienced mixed feelings also. There has been a sense of stability in getting back to the “normal” routine mixed with a dark cloud of expenses associated with supplies and clothes to start the year.

But the last five years at home have helped me see each new challenge as another opportunity to see God’s mercy and grace. Curses turn into blessings.

Darcy starts her first year of high school next week.

Marcy actually got to go to Wal-Mart and Staples this week to help Darcy pick out her school supplies. I have a favorite pen but beyond that, I’m not real picky about office supplies.

Darcy has inherited her Mom’s love of niceties. When I first started dating Marcy I found office supplies I never knew existed: little, colored, translucent, sticky page markers; post it notes in a rainbow of colors, shapes, and sizes; pens and markers in colors that haven’t been invented; fasteners (what I used to call gem clips) of all shapes, sizes, colors, and material; and more.

Darcy and Marcy picked out colored pocket folders, double binders, locker accessories (shelf, mirror, magnets,) and more. And, like Marcy, it is never too early for Darcy to get her ducks in a row. Within an hour of getting home, Darcy had her supplies organized and her book bag loaded.

And again this year, the financial part of the season is a source of blessing.

Two friends offered to take Darcy shopping for new clothes. And the folks at the Encores and More consignment sale graciously gave us great deals on clothing.

And scholarships! Darcy is in public school, but Williamson County Soccer Association has helped us again with her soccer fees for the fall season. And our son Matt is still eligible for federal grants as he starts his second year of college. On top of that, God prompted Marcy to ask Matt to go to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University and they have blessed us with compassionate help as well.

I guess by definition a “scholar ship” is a vehicle to help carry a student. I picture God as our ship carrying us through life. We are blessed He has given us so many officers and crew to help.

If you know someone in need, think of a way you can help carry part of the load. You don’t have to be a scholar to help them stay ship shape.