It is finally here!! The long awaited summer break! There is much excitement in our home. We have had some really sweet teachers and those who have stepped into hard situations. The whole bully thing wasn’t fun, but it taught us a lot. At field day, my son that had been bullied, knew he would more than likely see the boy that made school a place where fear ran deep. We talked about it and he said he was a bit nervous. However, by the end of field day, he said he had tried to find the boy to tell him he had forgiven him. Amazing. Kids have so much to teach us adults.

I hope to learn a lot from them over the next few months. Our days slow down and we have more time together. From Maggie, our oldest, I hope to learn a bit about being content and not fearing missing out. She has learned this lesson well. It came with a struggle, but it paid off. She has plenty of friends and is social, but knows herself well enough that sometimes it is better to let events pass by and recharge.

Moving to the next one in line is Jackson. That kid has physically grown so much this past year! From him, I would love to learn perseverance. He has dyslexia and that made reading such a challenge and anxiety was ever present. He finally got the help he needed and off he went. This year also brought on a new love of running. Who knew he could run like the wind?! He is a great long distant runner and I pray he just gets better and better. I want to persevere like him in the areas that are hard for me too.

Anna Kate comes next and she is a wonder. Her love of learning is incredible! She makes hard things look easy. From her, I plan on learning how to try something that is out of my comfort zone. She joined the choir at school and then tried out for the play! Another talent uncovered – the girl has such a pure voice. She worked hard and performed with her head held high and a smile on her face. She was fun to watch!

The next beauty is Abbey Grace. She is as steady as they come and sees things very black and white. She has style and confidence beyond her years. From her, I plan on learning to be a bit more relaxed. Dancing and not caring whose watching, is as natural as breathing to her. I love that about her.

Paxton comes next and he has the most forgiving heart of anyone I’ve ever met. I’ve actually been learning from him for quite sometime. He also takes talking to God on others behalf pretty seriously, but with an ease that is very mature. He sees needs of others and does what he can to help. I’m keeping my eye on him and pray to love people as easy as he does. Send us any prayer requests and Paxton and I will offer our hearts and words to the Lord on your behalf.

Eli is in a league all his own. Nobody is a stranger and he loves women with blue hair. He is unique and hilarious. From him, I will watch and learn how he accepts those who look a bit different. I’ll see them as someone made in the image of God and love them right where they are. Bring on the blue hair!

And last is Vivian. This child is full of life and fire. She loves well and is very courageous. She knows how to stand up for herself, while looking lovely in freshly applied lipgloss. She is quite secure in how loved she is and asks amazing questions about Jesus. From her, I plan on learning the art of graciously being completely honest and letting God’s truth be the final word.

Looks like I’ll be quite busy these next few months, When school starts again, I’ll have some of the best parts of my kids shining in me. To help our family wash a little of the parts that don’t look like Jesus off of our hearts this summer, we are memorizing 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in inquiry, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” We’ve picked out the things of love that are hard for us and ones that come easy. Lord willing, it is going to be a great summer!