And just like that…
The thing that intimidated me.
The thing that I didn’t think I could do.
The thing that I had never done before.
The thing I felt called to do but I never ever dreamed of doing…and truthfully was a little scared to do?
That “thing” is Over.
And?
I’m having a hard time letting something I wasn’t sure I wanted to do, could do or should do…
go.
Yesterday was our last day of homeschool.
At the end of last Summer I felt God tugging my heart to de-enroll our two younger daughters out of public school for the year and step into a role that I never saw myself stepping into.
Teacher.
Much in part to the amazing The Good & The Beautiful homeschool curriculum I fell deeply in love with our homeschool life and now?
I’m getting emotional all over again just typing this.
Letting go of something that you fell in love with, especially if that love caught you by surprise?
It is hard.
As I put the colored pencil box away yesterday afternoon and tidied up their journals and books one last time I felt a wave of gratitude soaked in with a little grief for “the end” wash over me.
I know next year they will be ready to go back to in person public school & for us this choice for Maci & Livvy was the right one for this particular wild season of life.
But for now?
I will rewatch this tiny time capsule of the minutes ticked by inside an experience I am so grateful I said yes to.
The truth is….
this past year, I never saw myself as a teacher.
in fact?
I was actually the student.
Because?
In his perfect love God stepped in and taught me, refined me and grew me…every single day, as I trusted and stepped through His will.
Some days were easier than others friends.
“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”
Mark 6:34 NLT
The greatest teacher of all, re-taught me one of His biggest lessons…
That if He leads you to it…He will bring you through it…counseling & equipping you every step of the way.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
psalm 32:8 NIV Emphasis added
I’m guessing you are wrapping up a season of sorts at your home right now too.
Perhaps, you too are closing the books to a wild year of school…or a long work from home stretch is coming to a close…or perhaps you simply feel the wind shifting softly in a new direction ever so slightly…but still very aware of a gentle closing of a chapter.
This last year has taught us all so much about ourselves…and how we make decisions when faced with challenging circumstances and difficult choices.
I believe the largest lesson I will savor in my soul is…
That if we choose to bring our open hands of willingness to the table…God will do what He does best…show up inside the open space and write a beautiful story inside our willing hearts of showing up too.
Lysa TerKeurst describes the challenge of choices like this:
“There is no perfect decision – only the perfectly surrendered decision to press through our fears and know that God is working in us to bring about good through us.
Lysa Terkeurst – The best yes
Garage Mudroom Re-Fresh
We decided…and by “we” I mean me…
to put a twist on the traditional last day of school “clean out your desk” activity.
So?
While Big Sister, Eve was busy cleaning out her middle school locker, Maci and Livvy helped me to clean out our home locker situation.
Let’s just say it had gotten a little out of control.
Several years ago, it became very clear that as our 3 little ladies were growing up we were also growing out of this small drop zone space for all of the things.
Their tiny feet were growing, their shoes were bigger, and their sports equipment was tripling every season.
I phoned a friend and showed him this garage space.
Clearly, we needed to rethink the garage drop zone. Our home does not have an area inside for a mudroom to store all of the outdoor accessories.
I commissioned our handyman friend to build us a custom mudroom shelf and cubby system for our garage…he came through big time.
But as with time…this beautiful garage locker system took a beating and became overused.
A total dump zone if you will.
So in last day of school fashion, we cleaned out our cubbys and lockers and gave this hard working garage mudroom space a refresh just in time for Summer and all of her accessories that she brings packing with her.
Want to see what she looks like now?
Oh good…she is what you would call “Summer ready” and looking pretty cute if I do say so myself.
A big old fashioned “clutter clean-out,” fresh coat of Sherwin Williams paint and primer in one along with the addition of a few new baskets, (products linked at the end of this post) and beach towels and this garage mudroom just helped us wave goodbye to school days and hello to fun in the sun.
While we had our paint brushes out and handy, I also decided to give our garage door and trim a fresh coat of paint and a new wreath. I also decided to paint the steps into the house.
It always amazes me how much a can of paint and a little love can completely re-energize a space.
After I finished decorating the lockers last night with a few Summer fun items, the girls walked outside and immediately got excited for all things Summer fun that await ahead.
Without a doubt, in just a matter of time this little mudroom will need yet another de-clutter and refresh…but for now I am thankful that she is helping me to celebrate the next season in waiting as I dry a few leftover thankful tears for all that the last season has been.
Sometimes…when we are sad or a little tearful in our circumstances, we have to go back and remember where we started…
…in order to fully recognize how far we have come.
Friend…perhaps you too are looking back at the beats and chorus that strung it’s way into a heart song for you this year.
A lot has changed and continues to evolve.
It can be a little overwhelming at times.
One thing that continues to make all the difference for me…is continually exchanging the troubles in my heart for trust in my God.
There at the gate of the exchange is the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Take hold friend.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
philippians 4:7 NIV
Dear God,
Thank you for your perfect plan. Remind me when I forget that you are close to me and that you see very single detail and decision. Please help me to stick close to you and walk in Your will and way into the next season that awaits.
Please direct my steps towards you and fill me with your peace.
Amen.
Living on a prayer,
Heather
Affiliate Links are used in this post at no additional cost to you. They are linked for your convenience.
Beautiful post
Thank you Melinda. I so appreciate you reading my blog!! It is wonderful to have you here as part of this community! XO, Heather
Hi Heather!
What is the name of the paint color in your garage?
oh goodness – now THAT is a really good question. I will try to find it – we painted it years ago because we had left over paint from the basement! I will try my best to figure it out for you!
Heather, first of all, you have the most adorable family! And your garage project, even before, is neater than my garage by alot! But the transformation with a fresh coat of paint and some cleaning out, is really fabulous. I have been thinking long and hard about my mudroom. The years of busy children and school projects is in my rear view mirror (sadly) but it’s time for me to re-energize this space just for me. Thanks for sharing your year long home schooling journey. What a blessing that is.
Hi Mary! You are so sweet! Thank you so much for such kind words. I have been blessed to be able to step into the homeschool calling this year. So many emotions to unpack with it coming to a close for us..but still so much gratitude for the season we have been led through! And YES to fresh coats of paint and decluttering! I am sure you will make your mudroom fabulous just for you! It really does affect your mood when you walk by it as an entry way to your home! Have so much fun and as always – thank you for being here! XO, Heather