markers along the way

the first day of school is one of those vivid time markers... we have pictures in photo albums of each daughter (as well as the obligatory group shot) standing on the front porch looking devastatingly smashing in their '1st day of school' outfit, ready to tackle a new grade and a new year.

This year was different in a few ways: First, Caitlin is still sleeping; last year, she had already been at York for a week... this year, she's undoubtedly 'resting up' for her own first day of school a week from today (new school, new surroundings, old and new friends)... second, Cara will be driving herself to school for the first time... and third, my wife returns to the workplace after 19 years of doing the hardest job on earth: full time stay at home momma!

So this morning's pictures featured two girls and their beautiful momma, each with a big smile and not a little apprehension... Cara is a junior, so she's familiar with her high school surroundings and friends; Cassie is a fifth-grader, familiar with her friends but at a new building, the Pinkston middle school...

But for my wife, this is a completely new adventure! She has managed the Martin household perfectly for the last 24 years (the last 19 as a full time momma), and now she is called upon to help manage the IEPs of 250 high school students! New office, new surroundings, new friends... I know it is more than a little overwhelming to her. But, of course, she will do a terrific job...

So as we were all walking out the door this morning, we paused for our first-day-of-school prayer... and we asked God to keep us safe and help us to show Jesus to our friends - and co-workers (Cassie got a giggle out of that) - as we begin this new year...

I covet your prayers for our family as we begin yet another new chapter in our story...

And I ask you to pause as you read this to remember all those who face new challenges this year; I pray that God give us all strength to face whatever is in front of us and for His Spirit to lead us and open our eyes to all the opportunities for sharing Jesus with our new (and old) friends.

Blessings!