A good way to begin

Today was the first day of #2's school career. The day began as well as any first day could possibly begin. The boys arose from their beds earlier than I anticipated--I actually found the 2 school boys knees to knees on the couch in the front room smiling at each other in the darkened room. Breakfast went smoothly (meaning I didn't have to remind them to eat 640 times). Uniforms were donned. Teeth and hair brushed. Backpacks and lunches gathered and we were out the door a good 10 minutes in advance. . .well, because we were really, really excited and all.

As we pulled out of our neighborhood, we said our school morning prayers with the special intention offered for a good first day of school and a blessed school year. Nearing the school campus, our excitement was met with the most glorious. . .most unexpected. . . most uplifting sight one could imagine.

Could there be a better metaphor? A beautiful ball of colors, meticulously sewn piece by piece and lovingly made. Once ready, a light is lit within to fill the inner space with warm air which lifts it into the big sky on a great adventure. This is my kindergartner!

Bathed in the joy of catching such a lucky sight, the whole family walked across the school parking lot to the chapel to pray one last time together as we sent our #2 into the big world of school. Exiting the chapel, #2 sighed, "First the balloon and then visiting Jesus in the chapel--this is going to be a good day!" "Yes, it is," I replied.

And it was.