January 10, 2011

Beginning Again

His backpack sat lonely in a corner of our bedroom for the past month. He needed a break from it, from the books inside that that weighed heavily on his back and on his brain. For one wonderful month he didn't worry with papers, required reading, or exams. There was no girl cast aside while her dad scratched out calculus problems and her mama's fingers raced over the keyboard, taking handwritten words to the screen. There was no mad scramble to clear books from the table at dinner time. There were no doubts and fears.

There was just us.

The girl returned to school a week ago, coming home each afternoon with algebra problems and Tom Sawyer. Reality slowly crept back into our lives. Even though we've been on this path for months now, it is still unfamiliar. Terrifying at times. Exhilarating at others.

There is so much newness on this path. Today is a new semester. New books, new professors, new schedules, new apprehensions. I bristle against the thought of the coming adjustments, and pray the start of this semester is not as bumpy as the last.

In his pre-college days, my husband enjoyed lifting weights at the gym. You build muscle by tearing it, he would tell me. Like unused muscles, we have grown cold in our comfort. In order to stretch, we must be torn. In order to be built up, we must first be broken down.

I know somehow in all of this stretching and tearing, we are being built up. I know it.

I'm praying I will learn to believe it.

Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
~Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)


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8 comments:

Carrie said...

Blessings as you begin again!

Lisa notes... said...

Isaiah 43 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. New things. I'm thankful to be in this season of beginning again.

dianamorag said...

I agree - Isaiah 43 is a great chapter. Hope this season brings great blessings for you.

L.L. Barkat said...

It is good to know in those moments when nothing seems quite knowable.

mholgate said...

This is my first memory verse in 2011! I will be praying for you as you stretch and grow!

Thanks for stopping in today. I wouldn't have that first line of my homekeeping mission, if it weren't for yours in 2008. You are an inspiration to me.

Blessings!
Melissa

His Girl said...

cheering you on as you take a big, deep breath....

Alana said...

I can relate! Praying all goes well for you!

Lisa Spence said...

I like Isaiah 43 too. I am also thankful for new things and the Lord's faithfulness to do more than we can ask or imagine, glory to His name!