New Year - New Hope

​This is not today's first day of school picture, but today IS their first day of school.

This was 2nd and 4th - today is 8th and 10th.

We were at the gym shooting hoops last night. I watched them playing together. Looking like they were thoroughly enjoying one another.

In 2nd and 4th that enjoyment always seemed forced - like in the picture below. But today it seems real.

There are relationships that grow that way. Closer. More real. I'm incredibly thankful that is their direction.

I pray that is our direction - me and Ian - me and Elliott. That direction has not always been my relational strength, but these two have often been my source of newfound strength.

I love them for that.

Here is hoping my boys have a great year. Here is hoping your boys and girls do as well.

Some days those grades feel like they are rolling on and over like symbols on a slot machine. Faster and faster. But there is something nice about the pause that comes with a 'first day'.

The chance to see that as life goes on - life changes.

That can be a scary thing. Or it can be hope. We get to choose.

Here's to hope boys. For you and for me. For us.