CHRISTINE NORVELL
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Thy Lyre

"I turn my ear to a proverb. I explain my riddle with a lyre."
Psalm 49:4

First Days

8/24/2017

16 Comments

 
PictureRose Hill School Perry, OK
FIRST LOVE. FIRST AID. FIRST LADY. FIRST BASE. FIRST BITE. FIRST FLIGHT. FIRST LIGHT.
Centuries ago the word first came from the word forma, meaning going before all others, chief, principal. It was a title or a physical position in Old English, German, and Dutch. You were the chief or the first of your tribe. It was a noun, not an adjective like it is today. I wonder if being an adjective makes it less important.

Monday was the first day of school for my family and for me as a teacher. Facebook and Instagram were filled with family pictures from near and far this week, celebrating those firsts. So what is it that makes us mark and celebrate the first days of life events? Not every first is pleasant you know. And when you get old enough, you've had lots of firsts.

First days are a blend of excitement, newness, anxiety, and dread even. Whether the first day of school for the very first time, the first day on a job, or the first day home from the hospital, it marks a transition, a time of moving from one season to the next. We may have many first days in life but only one like that day. That fact alone makes it worth celebrating. There aren’t any repeats, and it doesn’t last long because the second day is quickly approaching.

In Matthew, Jesus encourages us not to be anxious or worry about the day, its needs, our needs, its problems, our problems. We can’t add an hour to the day by our worry, even first days. Our heavenly Father knows each need. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Read Matthew 6. Provision, trust, forgiveness, His goodness in every part of any day—these are given to us.

I pray that we can see first days and the in-between days for what they are—God's gifts.



16 Comments
Chord
8/25/2017 06:10:14 pm

Love this! Really a great invitation/message.You are such an inspiration.

Reply
Christine Norvell link
8/25/2017 10:20:25 pm

Thanks so much for the encouragement!

Reply
Becky
8/28/2017 11:21:45 am

As a mom who sent her first child to kindergarten this morning, thank you for this reminder!

Reply
Christine
8/28/2017 11:38:08 am

Of course. So many more firsts to celebrate!

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Carla link
8/28/2017 11:27:26 am

Loved this! I remember my first day at a new school. A little fearful but full of new expectations. Blessings!

Reply
Christine
8/28/2017 11:36:55 am

Thanks so much!

Reply
Molly Jo at Frankly, My Dear . . . link
8/28/2017 11:44:51 am

Yes! Firsts are important landmarks. Thank you for the reminder that no matter what, God and His Kingdom should always be first.

Reply
Christine
8/28/2017 12:36:10 pm

Thanks for reading and joining in!

Reply
Tammy Vangils
8/28/2017 01:10:25 pm

A great reminder! I tend to focus too much on the future and getting my to-do list done. Thanks for reminding me to stay in the present.

Reply
Christine
8/28/2017 03:35:53 pm

Absolutely. It's just as much a reminder to myself as well.

Reply
Shelley Pierce
8/28/2017 01:37:13 pm

You have reminded me to look for the firsts even in the inbetween days! Thank you!

Reply
Christine
8/28/2017 03:37:03 pm

You're welcome. Those in-betweens can be just as sweet.

Reply
Toni Lepeska link
8/28/2017 02:30:11 pm

Firsts can be a source of anxiety. Thanks for the reminder that God urges these days to be restful in his hands.

Reply
Christine
8/28/2017 03:38:40 pm

Knowing we really are cared for in every way as the lilies and sparrows is the best daily rest! Thanks for joining in!

Reply
Michelle Adserias link
9/1/2017 10:20:47 am

We've reached the point in our lives of celebrating LAST firsts. This year, after 33 years of child-rearing, we celebrated our LAST first day of school. Your blog still hits home. It marks the beginning of a whole new season of life, and with it the questions about what the empty nest will hold. Thank you for the reminder to keep seeking God, hang on, and enjoy the ride!

Reply
Christine link
9/1/2017 11:27:46 am

I agree! Last firsts are incredible too. May you embrace each day as you look ahead to the time of empty-nesting as well. Blessings!

Reply



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