Preparing for Kindergarten

On Thursday I attended the kindergarten orientation where Anna - my firstborn, my first baby - will be going to school in the fall. There were several times I nearly cried. Anna was with me, and I marveled over how someone can seem so "big" and yet so "little" all at the same time. She is very excited about her "new school" and had fun with Ms. Judy (whom we already know personally) - listening to a story and making a paper bag puppet while I listened to the presentations by teachers and staff. Anna was impressed by how artistic the school appeared, with student work and projects on display throughout. I was impressed by the teachers and principal as they spoke of challenging every student no matter at what level they are (I have wondered if Anna will be bored in kindergarten after the great preschool she has attended).

But just being in the school cafeteria reminded me of my early days of elementary school - happy memories, but a level of independence Anna has not yet known. Is she really ready for this? In my head I am confident that she is and she will do great; but in my heart it is harder to watch her stretch her wings and move farther beyond me. What if someone is mean to her (as one day someone is sure to be)? What if something unpleasant happens (as is a normal part of life)? Anna is cautious and sensitive like me, only stronger than I was at her age. She will be fine. I know it. But it is so hard to let go, if even just a little bit at a time.

What You Believe

I was listening to Glenn Beck the other day on the radio, and he mentioned an article (sorry - can't remember where it was from) predicting the decline of Christianity in our culture within the next 10 years - as much as a 50% loss of membership for evangelical churches, following a great decline in mainline Protestant denominations. The author cited the fact that the evangelical church has too closely alligned itself with certain social/political agendas - to the point that many members can far more easily tell you their stance on key social issues than they can articulate the meaning of the gospel message. Glenn's point was to be sure to know what you believe and why and then stand strong in it.

The thought of such a decline in Christianity troubles me - not so much for the sake of the church or the "religion", as I know God will not be cheated of His own. He is able to preserve His people. But I would mourn more for the loss to our nation... a loss of foundation, of values, of needed restraint. Sure, nonbelievers can have good morals, but on what are they truly based? When the time of crisis comes, will they be able to stand on conviction or will they be swayed by circumstance and relativism? There is a reason why socialism and communism attack churches.

So, what do you believe? Do you know? If you go to church, do you know why? Do you have an inkling of the corruption of your soul and the far greater provision of God's grace through Jesus, the Messiah? Do you know there is Truth that is absolute, unshakable, unyielding? Do you rest on the firm foundation of God's love for us all? If you do, then reaffirm your beliefs and share them with those around you. Pass it on. If not, then take the time to examine yourself, explore the gospel message, ask questions, get answers. Lord, have mercy on us all.

tiny things

So now I'm realizing that we may have a new baby by the end of next month (!), and I'm starting to get more prepared. Yesterday Anna, Will, and I pulled out their gender-neutral baby clothes so I could wash them and have them ready. Anna and Will could hardly believe they used to fit into such tiny little clothes. They giggled and marveled over the thought of it as they pulled out their "favorites" to show me. And I, too, though this will be my third baby, can scarcely grasp how my preschoolers once wore those tiny socks and onesies... or what little creature will wear them yet!

The Season of Lent

Now it is Lent, a 40-day period in the church calendar during which Christians are encouraged to reflect specifically on the sufferings of Jesus in preparation for Easter. Although I was raised Catholic (or maybe because of it), I am not a huge proponent of church "traditions" and such. Since I became aware of the truth of the gospel, I have mainly been taught and influenced by more contemporary, evangelical varieties of Christianity. That being said, I am now a member of the Lutheran church (Wisconsin Synod for those who know the difference), and can appreciate the richness and depth of meaning that is highlighted by understanding the significance of liturgy, seasons, etc.

I have trouble deciding what to "give up" for Lent - again perhaps because of my Catholic upbringing and resentment of it. I try to settle on something, and before I know it, Lent is half over so why bother? But still it is good to be mindful, consciously aware during this time, of the tremendous sacrifice and suffering that Jesus endured for our sake, out of love for us, to bring us from darkness into His eternal light and life.

I have also found that the observance of Lent tends to make Easter even more amazing. Just as you can't truly know good without evil, or light without darkness, concentrating on the passion and suffering of Jesus serves to accentuate the shining brilliance of the resurrection on Easter morning. So I find it helpful and beneficial to my experience of the faith to observe Lent - even if I can't decide on something to "give up."