Courage, Where are you?

This morning at breakfast, Nathan was especially tired.  He had his first running club meeting last night and he walked/ ran a total of 2 miles!  He did great but was pretty tired last night.  It took no time for him to fall asleep. I knew this morning might be tough.  He was slow to wake up but became very talkative and I could tell he had a lot on his mind.  During breakfast, he told me about his calendar at school that he should have finished Monday but he got behind, erased a lot, and didn't finish his work.  I encouraged him to talk to his teacher about it.  She is a very understanding woman and so kind.  Nathan really likes her and enjoys being in her class.  He told me, "Mom, I just don't have any courage this morning."  I knew he was tired but what he said stuck with me.  I continued to encourage him to talk to his teacher....She could help him....It would be okay.  It is hard to tell an introverted 6 year old that it will be okay and him get it. First grade can be kinda big and scary.  (Guess, it is sometimes hard to tell a "30 something" mom that it is going to be okay and her get it too.)

We talked about one of our favorite verses, Joshua 1:9 which states:  "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed,  for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  That became a key verse for us last year in kindergarten and still is this year.  On the way to school one morning, I had asked Nathan what he wanted to pray about for that day.  He told me that he wanted to pray that he would have courage. He was just 5 years old when he told me that.  It amazed me and broke my heart at the same time.  He already knew that this was something that was difficult for him and he could actually put it into words and tell me.  Since that time, we have repeated that verse more times than I can count.  I assured him that God is with him at school and that He will give him courage.

If you know us or have read my blog at all, you may already know that Nate is not the most outgoing kid and social situations can be hard for him.  I give him an A+ for effort though.  He played baseball this past spring and wants to play basketball this fall.  He is in the running club and is off to a great start.  He is trying by putting himself out there.  I am so proud of him for that.  My shy kid has always been very much the observer and he takes it all in.  When he gets home, he lets it all out.  I am always amazed to hear what comes out of his mouth.  He has such a sharp mind and a big heart.  He is an amazing little guy.  He has shown me courage in so many ways.  I just need to remind him of that more often.

I have been thinking about what he said, "I just don't have any courage this morning."  How many times have I felt that way but just didn't say it out loud?  There are things I have to do that I don't want to do and things I have to face that I don't want to face.  There have been plenty of situations that have taken me out of my comfort zone and have caused me to be nervous.  There will be plenty more ahead.  I need courage too.  How quickly I forget God's promises!  I need to be meditating on  Joshua 1:9 for myself as well.

I know we can have courage because God is with us wherever we go.  I firmly believe His promise.  Sometimes, I take that courage with me when I leave the house.  Other times, I find that courage is there waiting on me when I get where I am supposed to be.  I just hope that I can teach that to Nathan.  Praying that God will cultivate courage in his precious heart.  My sweet boy has so much to offer! I hope others will be able to see that as well.

I love this kiddo!