It’s late July, and I can literally feel summer slipping through my fingers. With every back to school ad, my grip loosens a bit more and acceptance wins out. As much as I love summer, and my morning coffee on the patio and weekends at the lake with family, cold drinks, and loud music, autumn also brings many of my favorite things. The mixed emotions of the changing season are as common as the cooling temperatures. Jumping back-and-forth between the anxious thoughts of beginning again and the calming peace of familiarity – August is coming, whether we are ready or not.

I heard that July is the Sunday of summer for teachers. And boy can I relate. As an educator, September has always felt more like the new year than January. And now it’s August, as a teacher in Ohio that is back in the building the first week of the month as we begin preparing for our students. This year, on top of the classroom work and planning, we are also packing our youngest as she anticipates leaving the nest and heading to college. So many lists, online orders, and packages stacked in a pile as they arrive. My mind refuses to rest, even when my schedule allows me the downtime. So much to arrange, organize and purchase. Having taught more than seven years and also prepared her three older siblings for college, my brain should know by now that it will all get done – and if it doesn’t, it’s OK. It should know that if something is on back order, it will eventually arrive. And if a bookshelf doesn’t work in one area of the room, it can always be moved. But the limited time and the excess of heat and emotions don’t allow this logic. Feeling overwhelmed, is entirely too common as we attempt to ease into these new experiences and living arrangements.

Having taught before and having sent children to college and the past does not negate the possible negative emotions that sneak in as we become weary and oversensitive during these stressful times. By all means, you’re allowed to be emotional. You’re feeling all of these emotions because you are invested – these events are important to you. You want to be successful, you want to be prepared. You want your daughter to feel like she can handle all that will be brand new to her. I am saying a prayer now for all of us in the same boat. Maybe you have a different job but understand the pressure and timeless restraints of which I am writing. Maybe you are saying goodbye to a child that is saying hello to a new adventure. I pray for peace for our hearts and rest for our bodies and minds. We can do this. It may not be pretty at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep moving forward, each day will bring more comfort and confidence.