[Welcome to our annual Guest Writer Series, a time in which we are intentional in listening to other voices. Know that AR may/may not agree with the perspective expressed. Know, too, that agreement is secondary to learning from others. Meet Guest Writer #7!]
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As I wrap up year #13 at the local high school, I’ve been thinking a lot about change; the longer I am on this planet, I have come to believe that change truly is the most consistent part of our lives. Well… and Jesus. He has always been consistent in my life. Our friends. Our family. Our jobs. Shoot! Our homes and our pets even feel the impact of change!! There are times when change comes in the blink of an eye. Then there are times when change comes oh so slow almost like a fine wine. Regardless of the situation, change will surely come whether we are ready for it or not. Change has taught me a lesson or two this year in a few select places. Let’s start with baby birds…
Some baby birds come into this cold, hard world featherless with their eyes closed. Still others, like killdeer and quail, are born with down feathers and are ready to leave the nest within a few hours of hatching. And still others, like the bald eagle, will try to age like that fine wine, taking 98 days until they are ready to leave the nest. Despite the time it takes for these changes to take place, each bird grows and changes, in their own time. One line in my quick research stuck out to me. It said: “Baby birds in a nest, especially hatchlings and nestlings, require care and patience.” Ugh! Do you get the feeling that could be you? I sure do!!! What about 2 Year olds?
I’ve always known that I was to be a teacher. I just wasn’t always sure what of. Here I am, though, living the dream with my 10 tiny humans who follow me like ducklings behind their Momma Duck. These sweet ducklings remind me daily of my why. From my viewing point, one of the most important jobs I could ever have is to help these babies to start to see right from wrong, to find their tiny voices as they are learning to put words together, and to learn the importance of saying I’m sorry and I forgive you when necessary. If ever I grow lazy with that task, then I’m not doing the best job that I can.
“Make sure you have some tissues… This day is going to be so hard for you…” These were the words spoken to me just minutes before our high school senior made his final walk through the high school halls. My heart wasn’t so much sad as I searched for our boy in the sea of Kelly green caps and gowns… 115 of them to be exact. I had such a pride for him and his classmates. So many of them have become like family over the years. The moment my heart caught in my throat was when that curly-headed boy stepped out of the line-coming out of nowhere, just long enough to give me a hug and simply say: “I love you, Mom.” In that tangle of emotions where I was caught between pride and a hint of sadness, all my searching did not find him; he found me!! It was in that moment that all those hard years of what seemed like endlessly repeating myself to stay close to mom or stay by dad that it dawned on me: he really was listening. The lessons we tried to teach him through the years really were taking root. This must be how Papa God holds me on the daily wondering if the things he taught me are taking root.
I promised, too, a little bit of baseball. Over the years, as a mom, I have learned the life of a baseball player can be pretty ruthless. Despite the tough path of the game at times, my boy’s love for the game has never diminished. He has put in long hours practicing pitching, hitting, perfecting his swing, and lifting weights in the off-season. All without any accolades or recognition. Just always doing what the coaches asked of him. So to be able to watch him play varsity minutes has been a validation of the hard work — and sometimes heartache —over the years. Truth be told, it is probably more this momma’s heartache for her son than my son’s frustrations, BUT it still drives home the life lesson to keep working hard because one day the hard work will pay off.
There are always lessons to be learned. This school year was no exception. Whether you find yourself like those baby birds preparing to leave the nest or the baby ducklings learning to find their voice, perhaps you find yourself knowing that you need to find your roots once again. Or maybe you just need the encouraging reminder that hard work really does pay off when you keep faithful to the small things. Regardless of where you are on this journey in 2025, keep your eyes on the prize set before you and rest assured knowing there is always a lesson to come and that change will more than likely be just around the corner or on the horizon. May I encourage you to be open to all that there is to learn in those moments?
With You in The Fray,
LJ