I am a huge mess today. It's the first day of school, and my first baby is starting the 2nd grade. My sweet boy was so eager to start the new school year this morning, that he was up and at 'em just after 6 am. He was ready to be with his friends and teachers, and start a brand new adventure in learning. He slept so soundly last night, and was beaming with joy this morning.

But not me. Momma was up all night, unable to sleep, worried about her 'baby.' When B started school as a 3-year-old in Day School, it took quite a while for him to adjust. Moving to a new school for Kindergarten brought along new fears and anxiety for my precious boy, and it was hard to 'let him go' to an all-day school program, knowing how anxious he was.

What a difference a couple of years can make, though. B is well adjusted and seldom worries about anything school-related. He's in a wonderful school, with wonderful, loving friends, teachers, and administrators, and his dad and I couldn't be happier with the choice we made to send him there.

Not only has B made sweet friends, he's being challenged daily, and truly excelling in many subject areas. We're just a tad bit proud!

My babies! If I could hold onto them forever, I would... but God has a purpose and plan for both of their lives.

Sending B to the school he's in has also been good for me. I can wholly trust that he is safe, loved, and cared for by Christian men and women who truly love like Jesus. I've made new friends and connections through the school that I wouldn't have had otherwise. It's a good thing that even when I don't know what I'm doing- God always knows what He's doing.

Do not let your heart be troubled...

If you're having anxiety or doubts about sending your kids to school this year, take heart. Put your trust in the Lord, as well as in those who will be teaching and caring for your kids. Look to the scriptures for comfort and guidance. 

Check out these 33 verses about worry and anxiety!

I love these verses, and I often print them out in a large type/font and stick them in various places around my home. I struggle with anxiety, and these verses- the Word of the Lord, remind me that God's in control and that fear has no hold on me. The Enemy will not bind me with fear, worry or doubt. Those are things that keep us from living our best lives, and friends, God wants us to live. If my seven-year-old can be excited about starting a new school year without worry or fear, I should be able to face the day fully trusting that God's going to carry me through. After all- it's the truth.

The recipe?

I look at it this way- recipes are usually found in cookbooks, which, if you think about it, is a guide or instructional book. The greatest guide I could ever spend time reading or studying is the Bible. Whether or not you take the words in it literally, there's a lot of great advice, and there are a lot of amazing stories, giving us wonderful examples of how we ought to treat others and live. Haven't picked it up in a while? Give it a try- just a few minutes a day will do your heart and mind good- or at least give you something to think about.

If you have kiddos or grands headed off to school this year, the girls at MBP are praying for you. We're moms, so we know exactly what you're going through. We're also fervently praying for teachers, administrators, faculty, and volunteers. It takes a village to raise all of these beautiful kids, and we truly love, appreciate, and support you in all that you do for our sweet kiddos.

I hope you have an amazing 2018-19 school year!