Middle school can be a tough transition. It is quite the adjustment and there are lots of unanswered questions. Whether it starts in fifth grade for some school districts, or sixth grade for others, it’s still a transition, a big adjustment in itself.
No matter which child of ours was entering middle school, there were always so many unknowns for all of us. With those unknowns, there are bound to be mistakes made. Our new mantra became “there are very few things in life that can’t be fixed,” meaning if a mistake was made, don’t panic because more than likely there was a solution.
Missed the bus? No worries! I could easily come and pick up whichever child was left behind. Late to class? No worries. Good practice for time management the next time.
While the mantra was supposed to reassure our children, the message started resonating with me, too. Missed a deadline? Stay up late a few nights and get caught up. Forgot the grocery list? Maybe we’ll stop and get ice cream since we had to go back out for the missed items.
Colossians 3:17 (NIV) tell us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This verse means we are to work hard as though we are working for God, not for man, but I also think God wants us to relax, have fun, and enjoy our work. When we’re always stressed about making mistakes, it takes the fun out of the work we do. When we approach life with the attitude of “there are very few things in life that can’t be fixed,” I believe it creates a more peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.
When we combine the knowledge of working hard for God with a relaxed attitude that mistakes can be fixed, I believe it creates a happier, healthier mindset for approaching not just work, but life in general.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?
© Cheri Swalwell 2021