Miniature Flock

Jimmy having breakfast before his first day of high school.

Drew headed off to his first day as big man on campus.

Wow, what a morning. I just dropped Jimmy off for his first day of high school. It was a little daunting, even to me. So, I am sure Jimmy was a little nervous, although he wouldn't admit it during our conversation on the way. It seems he was born, I blinked, and now he is in high school. Everyone said it would happen and it has. I felt a little bit comforted, that as I drove away a number of his friends came up to him and they began talking together. Friends he has known and grown up with for years. God is good in that way.

Drew is now the big man on campus at his elementary school. He is a fifth grader. Next year he will move off to middle school. He was born, I blinked, and well you know the rest.

The most amazing part of the morning for me was the hour I spent helping Elyshia with her kindergarten class. I have always know that she was a good teacher. I had seen her for brief moments before with some of her kids. But, this morning just blew me away. Her ability to comfort and provide relief to an anxious child (and parents) on their first day is amazing. Her loving and gentle tone and sincere care for each child is evident. What is equally special is that she can correct (or redirect) a child in the same manner. Through her years of teaching there have been many times when she has questioned her vocation. During those times I have been very honest with her, and told her I felt this was where God wanted her. It was never more evident to me than this morning. God has blessed her with many gifts that she uses on a daily basis in her classroom. He has seen fit to give her a wonderful flock to shepherd and she continues to lead them with the love of our savior.