Contributed by Rachel Martinez
School is in session. Whether high school, elementary school, home school, brick and mortar or even online at home, school is here. Whether you are full steam ahead or taking the slower pace that homeschooling allows, the point is, all us families with kids are back, fully engaged in this school and education process. And for me, well, it seemed like a good time to start my graduate schooling as well.
Back to school can always seem a little chaotic; now add to it the reality that school this fall (this year) looks different. There are recognizable hints, familiarity that we all know. Yet, we also know, it just isn’t the same. Whether it’s due to a new teacher, socially distanced desks, or an influx in homeschool families making materials hard to get your hands on, change is here and change is hard.
Every day, I get to talk with my daughters about their day. Our conversations fluctuate from the style of mask one wants to wear, to the “fun” hats with shields the other gets to wear; from the painting project to the new teacher; from 8th grade math to being the kindergarten secret student. The point is, I GET to have these conversations with my daughters. Though change is here and it is noticeable, what hasn’t changed is the time I have with my girls.
Change is hard and if I am unwilling to face it, to walk through it with grace, humility, and openness, how will I lead my daughters through change? How will I guide them to the other side of change? How will I show them that regardless of how one may feel about something, being willing to walk through it, being willing to sit in the uncomfortable and not avoid it, is the path to growth? This strange season we all find ourselves in is an opportunity to teach my girls to find the ability to be kind, content, and joyful, not just when things are good, but especially when things are hard. This isn’t just for my girls either, I as well am learning through the change and that is how I grow.
What have you been learning through the change?
