It was just a normal morning, my big kids were sitting at the breakfast table eating leftover cinnamon rolls before they rush out the door for Monday morning school. I asked my son about his week and what might be coming up that we both needed to be remembering as we did a lot of unfortunate forgetting last week. His eyes shot open wide and he ran for his backpack and pulled out a plastic bag containing a royal blue cap and gown.
I have graduation on my calendar and on the fringe of my mind. Knowing that it's coming and feeling both excited and a little afraid of my reaction has kept it on the edge. It seems for us that 8th grade is that year when I can begin to see glimpses of the adult he will be and want to burst with pride; but still relish (or roll my eyes in exasperation) at the childishness that shows up on a daily basis too.
This morning he finished up his breakfast and carefully unwrapped his graduation cap. He tried it on after several questions and a tutorial from mom. As he looked up and grinned at me I saw the image that perfectly encapsulates 8th grade. He had a very distinguished look on his face as he gazed up toward the corner of the room and sported his most impressive smartypants grown up face -
Complete with a milk moustache.
I hope I never forget, every single day is a gift.
"Train up a child in the way he should go
[and in keeping with his individual gift or bent],
and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6, Amplified Version
