LAKE HURON SUMMER.

Endless beach days! Sand castles! Laughter! Finding that special piece of beach glass! Body surfing! S’mores! Ice cream cones! Go-karting! Mini golf! Rainy day monopoly games! Croquet on the lawn! Hot tubbing when it’s dark! Hot tubbing when the lake is freezing! Hungry kids - all day long! Reading one more chapter before the lights are turned off! Late nights! Sleeping in! Camp fires! Snacks!

But suddenly it’s LABOUR DAY!

School begins tomorrow for most students - whether they are four or fourteen or forty. Some are heading to kindergarten - some to junior high school - some to high school and some to college.

New beginnings for parents and kids.

I remember when Pete (our last to leave the nest) was leaving for his first year at Queen’s university in Kingston. That Labour Day Saturday morning - the van was packed full - friends and family gathered to say their good byes - and Randy and Pete were almost ready to go (no room for Mom). Pete put his arms around me to hug good bye and he said “are you okay - Mom?” I quickly said - “yes” and then burst into tears and sobbed - “No! No, I’m not okay!”

Oh, how I loved the years of elementary and high school when our boys were home. How I missed them when they left.

This week - the empty halls of the schools my grandchildren will attend - will fill up - with boys and girls who are excited, joyful, fearful, timid, shy, hungry, full, talented, kind, mischievous, gentle, late, early, rule followers, rule breakers, patient, good, faithful and so much more.

Every September brings the opportunity to begin again - a redo - or the opportunity to start something completely new. As the grandkids begin this new season - here are my wishes and prayers for them.

#1. BE WISE AND DISCERNING

I love the book of Proverbs - written by King Solomon. He said things like - “Above all and before all, do this: get wisdom. write this at the top of your list. Throw your arms around wisdom - never let it go - wisdom will make your life glorious.

Don’t hang out with angry people - don’t keep company of hotheads - bad temper is contagious, don’t get infected.

Listen with respect to the father who is raising you. Make your mother proud by being quick to obey.

Don’t ever lie. Keep your word.

Fools are headstrong and do what they like. Wise people take advice.

But because my grandchildren are young - I realize their childishness will sometimes - maybe often - interfere with them being wise and discerning. So - each morning - my alarm buzzes at 8:15 and I am reminded to pray for them - by name - as they head out the door to walk to their schools. I pray on their behalf that during the day they will have understanding in class and on the playground. I pray that they will be kept from doing foolish things so they don’t have to suffer the consequences that await the fool. I pray they’ll be wise to discern what is clean and what is not, what is truth and what are lies, what is real and what is false. I pray they’ll determine the true character of the people around them.

Wisdom is more valuable than all the greatest treasure on earth, because it brings a long, pleasant, peaceful and happy life.

#2. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY

A long time ago I made “mother’s memories for my son” books for my boys and gave them to them when they turned 21. There was one page dedicated to the Dad to write his thoughts down! Randy’s words to Pete went like this - Petey - “the Rock”. We knew as soon as we saw you this was your name. What a name to live up to! You’ve always been such a happy, well adjusted, easy going guy. I’m pretty sure we didn’t need to raise you - you were so amazing. Remember the times we went to Mr. C’s in Listowel while your brothers were in School? We had coffee and donuts and you played PacMan. How much I have enjoyed watching your athletic career. Basketball, volleyball, rugby, football - you did it all. I still feel bad the time you broke your arm in football. I was very sure it wasn’t broken - but it was - oops - sorry about that. To this day you never complain or say a bad word about anyone. You are amazing! You’ve learned guitar and that’s a special joy to see. You will make the most amazing husband and dad one day. What a joy you are to Mom and I and how we thank God that we’re your mom and dad. We are truly blessed. “Be strong in the Lord. Eph 6:10. What an amazing thing to do - run a triathlon with me. Thanks. Love you always, Dad”

Do you not agree that every time Pete reads these words, he is affirmed and so desires to live up to his father’s pondering!

I remember the scene from the stage production “Anne of Green Gables” when Anne’s beloved Matthew dies. Anne was heartbroken. She knew how much Matthew cared for her. She knew from that first moment when Matthew picked her up from the train station, that even though, they had asked for a boy, and the orphanage sent a girl, she was loved by Matthew. It was Matthew who bought the dress with puffed sleeves. It was Matthew who helped Anne make her famous apology to Mrs. Lynde. Matthew and Anne said the important things to each other. Sadly, it was Marilla, who couldn't communicate her love for either Matthew or Anne. In the song “The Words” from the musical, Marilla sings her regrets that she never told Matthew how she felt about him. Her own brother. She had opportunities but never told him. Lost opportunities. Too late.

Your words have the power to build up or tear down. Use your words to speak grace and love.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body. Each and every day - the words we speak will either bring life or death. Even in hard conversations our words can be spoken kindly. Choose to speak life.

#3 DO THE HARD THINGS

A few years ago I joined a cross-fit gym. I love the challenge of lifting heavier, rowing longer, pushing harder. Last week I accomplished something I’ve never done before. I climbed the rope and my fingers brushed the ceiling. I never thought in one hundred years that I’d ever be able to do such a thing. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically.

My grandchildren will more than likely face some hard things this year. My advice for them is - “get ‘er done!”

Practicing a new piano piece - regularly - daily - be ready for your next lesson.

Consistency in your school work. Work hard in the classroom. Play after school.

Get your chores done first. Don’t procrastinate. Play later.

Always be kind - especially to the ones who don’t deserve it. Nobody likes a meanie.

Don’t be a quitter. When you begin a project, finish it.

Realize that life isn’t fair. There will always be someone smarter, or faster. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t compare your life to others. Don’t whine.

Practice gratitude. (You’d think this is the easiest thing in the world)! Learn to rejoice in the simple things in life. Learn to be thankful. Learn to be grateful. Learn to thank God for all the gifts He has given you. Thank your parents. Thank your teachers.

And so begins fall for me too. I am doing a new thing! I’ve signed up for voice lessons! I’ll be even more ready for the 1st soprano parts in Handel’s Messiah when rehearsals begin in late October. I’ll continue visiting my kids and grandkids - my siblings and friends! I’ll go the gym, play pickle ball, and cook yummy meals!

As the long, hot summer days turn - just like the maple leaves will turn from green to red - I’m ready to embrace all that lies ahead.

TO MY SWEET GRANDS - SUMMER DAYS ARE A MEMORY NOW AND ALL THAT FALL HOLDS IS IN FRONT OF YOU.

Don’t be afraid - dear ones.

Don’t be intimidated - little ones.

Embrace all that is in front of you and you’ll come out stronger.

You know it - I love you with all my heart.