New Beginnings
It’s scary to make new friends.
Micah has been in school for 6 weeks now and he’s doing just fine. I on the other hand am having a hard time transitioning to being a school mum.
First of all, there are the school drop-offs that require perfect timing – we have to leave home by 8:30 am to find parking nearby, walk the remainder of the way and hope we run into some of Micah’s friends to walk with, do the whole hug-and-kiss routine, so that he can put his backpack, lunchbox, reading pack, and hat away in his cubby and be seated by 9 am.
Then there are the parents to greet. That’s the hardest part of all – they seem to all know each other and here I am, awkwardly trying to fit in to this new school culture which is so foreign to me because it’s my first child in prep and my first exposure to an Australian school system.
I know how important it is for Micah to be able to have playdates after school or over weekends, so I’m trying to put myself out there and befriend some of these mums who seem to have it all together. They sometimes look at me like I’m a hot mess – and usually, I am, from having run to school to get there on time with Joshua’s 14 kg bouncing in my arms, his shoes having been left behind. Micah is panting, too, behind me, his hair as wild as a cockatoo’s. No wonder the other mums don’t linger to talk to me.
New beginnings can be intimidating. It’s nerve-wrecking to be vulnerable and risk getting rejected.
But I keep pushing myself, because I know from experience that once I get through this difficult first phase, I will be so glad that I made the effort.
As a child, I moved every two years from Kindergarten to Grade 9. Every time I started my first week at the new school, I would feel that knot in my stomach as I looked around at the unfamiliar halls and faces that blurred around me. I would choke down the tears and pray, “Dear God, please help me find just one person I can say hello to, who will become my friend.” And I would take a deep breath and look around to see whom God was nudging me towards. When I would spot someone whom I felt impressed to talk to, I would ask them for help with opening my locker or for directions to my new classroom.
Every time, God answered my prayer and I would make a new best friend.
As an adult, sometimes it’s even harder to make new friends. Having the same colour bag or liking the same TV show just isn’t enough anymore to bond. It takes a lot longer and a lot more courage to keep trying.
But I still have my prayers – and He still answers them.
Perhaps you too are facing new beginnings – new jobs, new classes, new relationships – in your moments of self-doubt and anxiety, pray to the One who cares, understands, and empowers us to be brave and vulnerable:
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
May His strength be your support as you navigate life’s journey today.