A New Hope
Originally uploaded by Mike Fields

Each day we’re faced with new challenges and new opportunities. Each day we have a chance to do more, to be better, to grow beyond what we were just the day before. I love the idea of new beginnings. Mostly because I make plenty of mistakes. I love the idea that I can start fresh, that I can try it again.

Even so… beginning anything can be scary. In fact that’s usually the hardest part of something for me. Once I get past the fear and actually start building momentum; I usually find whatever I was starting isn’t as difficult as I’d imagined. But that fear of struggle, or even failure still likes a front row seat to whatever challenge I’m facing.

Well, I’m getting ready to start Grad School, or as I tell Brendon – 17th grade. This is a very exciting (and frightening) time for me. It’s been a long time since I was in school. I know I can do it! But I also know it’s going to be a lot of work. When I look at the big picture all at once (two years of classes, the cost of tuition, the time that will be taken away from my family) I have to admit it can be pretty intimidating. If I can just stay focused on “the next step” though, I’ll be fine. I have to approach this thing one step at a time. And eventually I’ll be able to look back and see the big picture with a new perspective – an appreciation of what I’ve been through and where it lead me. Grad school starts on August 21st. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous.

Brendon started 4th grade today! Was he nervous about school? Did he think “oh no, I have nine more years of math -geometry, algebra, and trigonometry; and science – biology, chemistry, and physics; not to mention the awkward teen years – making friends, losing friends, that first kiss, that first break-up… And that’s not even counting college!”? NOPE! He went right to sleep last night – no insomnia, no nightmares, nothing. He woke up in a good mood this morning – his usual chipper self. We walked to school and as we got near the door he just turned, smiled, waved goodbye, and headed off down the hall. Was he intimidated? Nope. It’s just another day, another group of kids, another teacher. It’s just another challenge he’ll face. It’s just another challenge he’ll conquer.

Bren’s whole life has been a series of little steps. Each one is a new start, yes. But it’s also a step that builds on every step that came before – steps that keep leading him higher and higher. I’m so proud of him. I’m so glad I’ve been there to take those steps with him – to help get him ready for the next, and the next, and the next. As I head back to school myself, I’m so glad he’s been there to take those steps with me – to help get me ready for the next.

Each day, each beginning, each step, brings with it a new challenge, a new opportunity… and a new hope.