Dear Granger...

Hey Granger.

It’s your mom, Liz, but you can just call me “mom.” I will also respond to Mommy or really loud sudden screaming. We’re so glad you’re here. I’m a believer in honesty and full discloser. So, as you enter your new residence, I thought I’d give you a heads up on how to survive around here.

-You will probably always be called a “Christmas baby.” I’m sorry about this. We tried to plan it out better, but we’re just so fertile. Don’t worry about what that means. Even though you’re born around Christmas, you’re still your own person with your own birthday.

-You will appreciate good music. We probably won’t play many lullabies, and I’m sorry if your baby friends listen to music you don’t know. The plus side is you’ll have killer dance moves and grow up appreciating the finer tunes in life.

-We live on a busy corner. We like this, because we get to walk to the park and watch cars from the window on rainy and snowy mornings. However, we don’t play in the front yard. Please don’t sneak out the front door.

-We have hardwood floors. So, when you’re spinning, running, and dancing, be careful. The next thing you know, you’ll be on your butt. We suggest a barefoot way of life to help with this.

-We will never have a dog. Period. However, you can probably pull your dad’s leg into getting a cat. I know, it’s weird.

-We believe in community, and this is an intricate part of who we are. The door is always open for people. Our home is a safe place for people, and we won’t allow anyone in it that disrupts that safety and trust. We love people where they are and we take this seriously. Your friends will receive the same hospitality, and we hope to instill the richness of community in you as well.

-We are Jesus followers. We are constantly trying to figure out what that means. You will grow up knowing Jesus is love. We don't have all the answers and don't know if there were dinosaurs in Bethlehem. However, we will spend our lives seeking and searching for God's will for us. We will teach you and your brother to do the same.

-Your brother is a hambone. He is loud, silly, and likes attention from anyone. There will be times when he will injure you, both intentionally and unintentionally. He will also make you wear hats, eat things that shouldn’t be eaten, and get in trouble with him. I’m already sorry about this. He loves you very much, and he will be your best friend.

-I’m a teacher. I want you to learn, explore, and value your education. I will teach you letters in the bathtub and read Goodnight Moon as many times as it takes until you have each page memorized. I believe you are smart and can do anything you want. I will expect you to work hard at school, and I will be involved in your education at the highest level.

-Your dad is an artist. He builds, creates, and works hard for our family. He can do anything, except put his hands in creams and lotions. You will learn to adore him, like your brother and I already do. Sometimes he sleeps hard and doesn’t hear you crying, but don’t hold it against him. He will throw you, tickle you, balance you, and teach you how to do all the things that he can. You will go to preschool knowing these things and how they’re used: a drill, compressor, lens, cabinet, saw, and screwdriver. Embrace this knowledge. Not only will you have a “toolbox” of skills, but you’ll use these skills to woo your woman.

-We are a family who loves and accepts you as you are. You didn’t choose us, but we choose you every single day. There’s nothing you can do that will change this. There will be times when we mess up, aren’t there, or have to learn something the hard way. However, we are still a family and the grace of God will cover us in these times.

So, Granger, take your shoes off and stay awhile. This is your family and this is your home.

2007

I wrote this in 2007. I'm so glad I changed my mind.

Saturday, April 07, 2007
marriage. I think I've come to believe that it isn't worth the risk.

Dear Future Students

It's the beginning of the school year soon, and there are several mixed emotions. My team is changing quite a bit, and there was some real disappointment with that. Fear, anxiety, and selfishness began to settle in when I heard of the big changes. At the same time, there was hope that things could become something greater than they had been in the past.

My classroom was not a safe, happy, or enjoyable place for me last year. I worked hard to make it these things for my kids, but I left more days than not defeated, exhausted, and in tears. There were many contributing factors, and God brought me through the storm. But at the end of the storm, I was ready to throw in the towel. This is painful to say, because I believe I am a fabulous teacher that believes that children can succeed no matter the ability level, income, race, or language barrier. I believe I was made to do what I do every day. But Satan was at work last year.

As the summer ends, there's this growing knot in my stomach as I await this year. What kind of year will it be. The past few weeks have given me an unbelievable peace about what is to come.

I feel like God has carefully moved each piece into place, and I'm in awe of how his plan is always far greater than what I thought would be best. I came across this online, and I can't seem to move past the power of these words. This is my prayer for this year.

Lord,
Let me be just what they need.

If they need someone to trust, let me be trustworthy. If they need sympathy, let me sympathize. If they need love, and they do need love, let me love, in full measure.

Let me not anger easily, Lord, but let me be just. Permit my justice to be tempered in your mercy.

When I stand before them, Lord, let me look strong and good and honest and loving. And let me be as strong and good and honest and loving as I look to them.

Help me to counsel the anxious, crack the covering of the shy, temper the rambunctious with a gentle attitude.

Permit me to teach only the truth. Help me to inspire them so that learning will not cease at the classroom door.

Let the lessons they learn make their lives fruitful and happy. And, Lord, let me bring them to you. Teach them through me to love you.

Finally, permit me to learn the lessons they teach.

Amen.



Dear future nine and ten-year-olds that are assigned to Mrs. Knowles in room 206,

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:14-19

You are loved,
Mrs. Knowles