Back-To-School Memories

Well, it's back-to-school time here in good old Anderson, South Carolina. Yvonne and I went to TL Hanna High this morning to get Claire registered for tenth grade. It's really hard to believe that our little girl is starting her sophomore year of high school. It seems like just a few short years ago that we were walking into first grade with her and wondering where the time went. So, because I am remembering that today, I thought I would share the following story with you. It was written on August 17, 1998, Claire's first day of school, and was a part of a weekly email devotional I used to write called, "Monday Meditations." Hope you enjoy!

We sent our little girl to first grade this morning.

As it is for most parents, it was more emotional for us than it was for her. Claire walked right into her new world, a red backpack slung over her shoulder and a picture of her cats in her hand. She was ready for whatever this day would bring.

Me, I'm a bag of emotions. I'm joyful because she has reached a new chapter in her life, one she's anticipated for many months. I'm sad too because I realize that life as we've known it will never be quite the same. Claire's singular focus on her mom and me will now change: she'll have new friends and new ideas to explore, new words and phrases...and boys.

My mind was in rewind as we made our drive in to school this morning. I thought back to the moment she was born - how we had waited and waited on her to arrive. I can still hear the nurse saying, "Happy Birthday, Claire" as she handed me a little bundle that would change my life. I remember her cradle and her crib, late night feedings and baths in the sink. I remember her humming every time she'd ride in the car. I remember those precious baby sounds she would make. I remember her first step and being so proud of her because she did it!

I remember the day we dedicated her to the Lord and gave her back to Him. I remember her first words and rocking her until she fell asleep. I remember that first birthday party and first Christmas. I remember the joy of her running to me when I came home from work.

Each year of her life is filled with many, many precious memories.

She's taught me so many things. By watching her, I've realized that the smallest things (and so often the things that have very little earthly value) are the greatest treasures one could ever find. Rocks and feathers, leaves and flowers. Crayons and a blank piece of paper. Butterflies and red birds. Walks through the yard, singing as loud as possible. Friends and family. Time spent just being together.

But the greatest thing that I have learned (and am learning) from being Claire's daddy is how much God must love His children. When I think about the incredible feelings of love, concern and compassion I have towards my little girl, I get just a glimpse of how much my Heavenly Father loves me. He looks down on His children with an even greater love because He made us. He knows us inside and out. And He loves us completely.

I gave my little Claire to her Heavenly Father once again this morning. Her life is in His hands, as it has been from day one. I can trust Him with her life because I know that He wants the very best for her. I can trust Him with my life because He is my Father and I know He wants the very best for me as well. You can trust Him with your life because He is your Father and He loves you with an unmatchable love. He wants the very best for you.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1