'Twas the Night Before School

'Twas the night before school
And mom cannot sleep
All the reminiscing
Makes her just weep.

All four of her babies
Will be boarding the bus
Is it any wonder
why she's making a fuss?

The summer flew by
Nearly as fast as the years
Nothing stops time
Nothing stops tears

The backpacks and lunch boxes
The papers and snacks
Soon it will be History cards
Science, Spelling, and Math Facts

With the oldest in Middle school
HOW CAN THIS BE
Was it not just yesterday
That he was three?!

The next one in Fourth
IMPOSSIBLE FOR SURE
Who is this young lady
Ready to head out the door?

The third one in Third
A JOKE THIS MUST BE
Mom's treading this new ground
Quite tenderly 

And the BABY IS OFF?!
She has Kindergarten to master
An empty nest now at home
Leaves Mom's heart in disaster

And another hard part
Dad, too, is in school
Studying and reviewing
Has become the new cool

So what's Mom to do?
Her treasures all away
She has yet to grasp
The schedule of her day

She is dreading the bus
But a brave face she will wear
Choosing joy to replace
All that threatens to scare

For this is part of life
Training and helping them to be
All the humbly grand things
God has created them to be

And we are grateful for teachers
Principal and staff
Who mirror Jesus' love
And also share laughs

So as morning prayers are shared
And Joshua 1:9 recited
We'll head out the door
Ready and beyond excited

Here's to an amazing year
And all that is in store
May the lessons abound
And God's mercies outpour

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9