total misperception

I never imagined at 35 years old that my life would be where it is today.  I'm single and a single mom.  Don't get me wrong...I'm definitely not complaining about that!!!  I just also never imaged after almost 3 years later, the amount of noses that get stuck up in the air at me.  That is one of the bad parts about living in a ho-dunk small town!! 

Unfortunately, it's human nature to be quick to judge others.  Only problem....most of those doing the judging, if not all, don't know what they are being judgmental about.  They hear only one side of a story or hear rumors and think they've got the right to turn a cold shoulder!  I mean...even the bible says not to judge:

And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.  He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear...  Isaiah 11:3

There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy.  But who are you to judge your neighbors?  James 4:12

Yet even with a ton of bible verses about not judging, people are still so quick to do it.  They hear something and think they've got you pegged!  They think they know exactly what kind of person you are.  They think they know all about you.  But do they really know what "went on behind closed doors"?  NO!! 

From the outside, to neighbors, friends,  and even family, it can look like everything is perfect.  Open up that front door, invite yourself in and open the first closet you come to!  My bet... (and I know this from personal experience) is that there will be a ton of skeletons fall out of that closet.  Skeletons that you know nothing about.  Skeletons that you have never seen before.  Skeletons that would totally shock you...why?  Because the perception made to you is that all is perfect.  That's how society is.  Make it look perfect and therefore, everyone will believe it! 

For those doing the judging, I invite you to walk a month, week, day in the shoes of those you are judging.  You have no clue what they have been through or are going through.  You have no clue what God has asked them to take on.  You also have no right to judge!  Maybe you judge because you think you are superior.  And then again, maybe you judge in hopes that no one will find out about your skeletons...

WHAT??? It's that time already???

So, here in the south, today marks the start of school.  While a lot of kiddos (mostly older ones) aren't super excited...err, aren't excited at all for that matter, the younger ones seem to be eager for it.

This past Friday was "meet the teacher" day for us.  We walked and figured out who her teachers were as she's in 1st grade this year.  Then we discover that they had switched things up a little.  The 1st graders are down the hallway of what was the kindergarten hallway last year and vice versa.  It was weird, but kind of cool b/c she already knew that part of the school.  When we get to her classroom to meet her teachers we were blown away!  She has some AWESOME teachers this year!  They are full of spunk and I'm sure that all the kiddos will have a blast w/ them!!

You can tell what it's going to be like when you first walk in and the teacher kneels down to introduce herself to her new student and then sends them on a scavenger hunt around her classroom.  I mean, what better way to have the kids get acquainted w/ the classroom!! 

So, all weekend long my child has been asking when is the day she goes to school.  That she loved her teachers and couldn't wait to be in class.  And I mean,,,ALL weekend long!!!  She even got up 30 minutes earlier than normal this morning to get dressed.  I begged her to lay back down for a few more minutes to give me time to take a shower in peace.

When I walked her to her class this morning, she said she was nervous.  I told her that she would do just fine.  I took her in and of course, took a few pics.  As I was telling her how proud I was of her and that she was going to have so much fun (I was getting ready to leave), she started crying.  That got me teary eyed.  I gave her a hug and then went to speak to Mrs. Edge to be sure of a couple things and then told her that my baby was a little upset.  So, Mrs. Edge walked over and started talking to her.  I gave her a kiss and told her to have a good day.  And before I even got out the door, Mrs. Edge had her smiling from ear to ear!!  Whew!!!!  That made me feel better.  I mean...I know she's in good hands, but it just puts things at ease.

It's going to be a hard year and I'm sure we are going to struggle in the studying category, but I'm sure she will do just fine!!

Out the door, about to leave for 1ST GRADE!!!

Right before she got upset!  But ain't she a beauty  (I'd like to think she gets that from her momma)!!