The start of a new day

Part of all things new is a sense of loss.  I watched my littlest girl go off to school today for the first time.  I have kept her home these past few years to sow into her little life and pour into my life a gift that I will always cherish....our precious time together.  I called her my little "partner" as we were rarely separated during the day.  She is the third out of four kids to attend school, so it's "time" I guess.  She practically RAN to the classroom today.  I watched her embrace her new surroundings, her new teacher, and comfort an old friend who was sad.  I remarked to my husband how brave she looked.  I turned the corner and cried a little as I watched my Jilly grow today.  I am so happy for her.  She is getting to experience life on a whole new level at a Christian school that teaches Grace and Love through Jesus.  It's only four hours a day, but she is grateful to be a part of what the "big kids" do.  I am thankful that God grows us up in due time.  I am thankful that I get to see my kids be excited about learning and being with friends.  I am perhaps most thankful that these brothers and sisters run to the car and jump in when's school's out and hug eachother like they have been away from eachother for years!  It's the start of a new year!