The first day of school is usually quite hectic for both parent and child. Neither fully knowing what to expect, the day is usually preoccupied with mixed emotions of joy, excitement, hesitation, anticipation, as well as anxiety of the unknown.
Most of this is usually exhibited at drop off. Biting of nails, head buried in mommy’s or daddy’s shoulder as the little one is airlifted to his/her new classroom, followed by screams of separation and sobs of betrayal as the child and parent part ways.
This was however not the case for my little one!
He had so much excitement and anticipation for the day ahead of him with his only hesitation being whether or not his baby brother could come too. He was elated, so much so that he quickly said goodbye and ran off to his classroom. No last look, no lingering glances, no second thought on the matter!
Seeing as drop off went so well, I was personally excited for pickup time. He had gone forth to conquer his first day of preschool like the brave and bold kingdom kid that he is being raised to be, that I was sure that this would have also been a piece of cake. I could not have been more wrong!
His reaction to seeing me, to hearing my call for him to come to me, to knowing that playtime was now over for the day sparked a completely unanticipated response. He screamed, squirmed, and ran away from both me and his teachers. He even shouted at the top of his voice: "I don't want to go back to my house! I want to stay here forever! NOOOOOO!"
It took some maneuvering but as I lifted him up, and we made our way home, I realized that he was definitely not intentionally attempting to be defiant. He was actually afraid that this was it, if he left now he would not have the opportunity to return. You see, he was uncertain because he did not understand.
This got me thinking …
As Christians, our call to Christ is sovereign. Our induction into this new life of unconditional love, joy, abundance, mercy, and grace is a paradise like no other. A choice that we step into confidently; and much like the first day of preschool for the brave and bold toddler ready to make new friends, the “drop off” process is seamless.
However, as we seek to answer the call of God’s “pick up time”, life begins stalking us with all kinds of issues. The biggest of these, uncertainty.
Uncertainty as a circumstance
It could be said that uncertainty has no seat at the table of a Christian. But that within itself would be denying our humanity. From an early age we are socialized to believe that there is an order in which things should happen. That if we make the right moves, join the right clubs and societies, and get in with the right crowd our lives will fit neatly into the “little black dress or tux” we should all have tucked away and ready for any occasion.
However, that’s not true!
Life comes with uncertainties. It’s a part of the package deal.
As a wife and mother it has become quite obvious to me that the one thing I can be certain of is the fact that things will pop up/off. Expectations won’t be met in quite the way you had anticipated. A diaper change can happen within two seconds of the last. And that delay is in fact disobedience.
Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
There will be instances when God’s “pickup time” calls for us to leave our comfort zone to a new assignment. When I feel His presence, when I hear His voice calling me, I know playtime is over, and sometimes a sense of unease for what’s next usually creeps in.
Here are 3 steps I use for getting comfortable with being uncomfortable in the midst of uncertainty:
1. It is already done. Choose your emotional response to uncertainty wisely. Don’t allow your feelings of unease and nervousness to steal an opportunity to get closer to God and His divine will for you. Instead, use this as an opportunity to actively nurture and grow your faith. Remember, faith is the key that opens all doors. (2 Chronicles chapter 20 verses 15 to 18, and Matthew chapter 21verse 21)
2. Come as you are. A level of focus and intentionality of purpose is required to stay on track while pursuing the Lord. (1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 58)
When God made you and I, He did not re-create our parents. He created an individual, an original masterpiece. We need to constantly remind ourselves and our own hearts of what God says about us and what He promises us by “living” in the Word and not the world. (Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11)
3. Next steps are yours, the big picture belongs to God! Live in the now, the light that God shines at your feet one step at a time. (Deuteronomy chapter 31 verse 8)
Concluding thoughts . . .
It’s pickup time, God’s calling you. What are you waiting for? (Philippians 1:6)
Kimberly-Joe Osborne is an authentic, purpose driven, and adventurously expectant wife, mother, entrepreneur, and woman of God.
Better known as KJ, she is an outgoing introvert with a heart that beats for family, faith, travel, culture, creativity, and food. After becoming a mother, she realized adulting could sometimes be a “hot mess” and so laundry became her zen. On this road to recovery from trying to be the perfect mom and wife, she is currently writing her first book which speaks to aligning and growing in faith in the midst of routine.
Kimberly-Joe is also the co-founder of CoacHer Legacy, where she dedicates herself to coaching mothers with the objective of redesigning generational legacy God's way. Through CoacHer Legacy, she and her business partner Shelly-Ann Munroe, provide a social safe space for mothers seeking to live a richer life by stepping out into their God given purpose.