Embracing the Lace: A Season of Preparation

Transition, welcome back to my life.  These last days before school starts are going to be a season of preparation--syllabi, department goals, finding or getting gym shoes for the kids.  I feel bitter sweet about the change.  We got back from our trip to Colorado with family on Thursday night and I've been blissfully unpac

king, savoring the time to declutter and organize as I put things away. 

Christina Bieber Lake tells us in her (awesome) book The Flourishing Teacher to "embrace the lace" in August, to move towards the challenge at an appropriate pace, recognizing that I'm preparing for deep spiritual and intellectual work I'll do with students.  The lace Christina refers to is Queen Anne's Lace, a flower that begins to bloom around here in late July, and means that the summer rhythm is coming to an end. 

Eric and the kids brought me flowers to continue to celebrate Ordinary Hereos of Racial Justice's release into the world.  No Queen Anne's lace in this bouquet, but I'll enjoy it's fleeting beauty.

A week later, the blooms are fading.