THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
My Youngest Daughter
My youngest daughter started Jr. High School today and she was a nervous wreck this morning. Her stomach wouldn’t allow her any breakfast to start her day off with.
She made small nervous conversation about things that were insignificant. I asked her a question I already knew the answer to. “You a little nervous”? She quietly said, “yeah,” So I asked her, “you want to pray about it”? Another quiet, “yeah.” I pushed back from the breakfast table to make room for her on my knee. My prayer went something like this; “Heavenly Father, thank you for this day, just another day, but the first day of school for my “Gurmy Girl.” (my daughters nickname) Please give her strength, I pray that she would lay her worries, doubts and fears at your feet. I pray for the other students and teachers who are all probably a little anxious as well. I pray You would guide the teachers and give them wisdom. I pray Father for a good year for my Gurmy Girl this school year and may she bring You honor in it. In Jesus name, I pray A-men.”
When we finished she looked a little better, but there had been no miracle. She hadn’t supernaturally become like Wonder Woman, she was still a 12-year-old little girl learning the lessons of life. She knows that she has to walk through uncomfortable circumstances in life in order to get what she needs and sometimes wants.
She’ll learn like we as adults have, that God answers prayers if they’re in accordance with His will and timing. She’ll also learn that sometimes those prayers get answered in God’s time frame, not ours.
She has already figured out that the Almighty Creator and sustainer of all things is not anyone’s, “Genie In A Bottle.” She knows she can’t ask for anything that she desires in a prayer and throw an “in Jesus name I pray,” to the end of it, and expect it to come true.
I believe deep in her heart she knows God will answer my prayer and she will become a strong, solid lady of faith. She will learn to face the difficult times head on and not run and hide like a little girl. I think she’ll leave that for the lost world who doesn’t have a God that answers prayers in His good time and will.
But for now, she’s still my little girl and I worry for her a bit. I wish I could be there to protect her and guide her through her whole life, but I can’t, it’s not my job.
That’s God’s job. My job is to teach her to trust in God. My job isn’t just to tell her, my job is to show her with my actions, easier said than done…
I called my wife to see how my daughter did getting dropped off at school on her first day. While I was on the line, my wife desperately said, “Hang on, she’s on the other line”! I thought to myself, “This can’t be good”… When my wife came back on the line she said, “She forgot her locker combination”! My heart broke for my little girl. She’s having a tough first day of school…
God is molding and teaching her… I feel a little torn asking God to make her strong because I have an idea of what it’s gonna take to get her there…
Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 10:06 pm
Floyd, I never knew you were so good at writing:) But seriously this is so inspirational and your passion for your family is awesome! I hope this all helps with the publishing of your book and no matter where Christ takes you in this process He has a beautiful plan for you!
Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 10:48 pm
Hey Floyd, its your favorite person (Jack Handy). I really enjoyed reading this because of how vulnerable and heartfelt it is. This really shows your loving side (who would have thought you had one? i didnt… just kidding) and I cant wait to read more!
Monday, August 23, 2010 @ 10:50 pm
I think this is really cool what you are doing. I really liked reading this I can’t wait to read the next one!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 @ 1:28 pm
Coach, tears came to my eyes reading this, it was beautiful and it could also be because I miss you and the family! This is so inspirational and from the heart.
I would love to be able to stay in touch with you now that I am out of the country, so please email me if you have a chance, arubio02@gmail.com
God Bless, Amanda
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
That’s really wonderful Floyd, I can’t wait to read more! I’m excited to see how things are going with you by following your blog!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 @ 5:04 am
I love this!!! How true it is that we worry about all the ‘little’ things in our child’s lives. Thanks for reaching out to all parents, especially the dads. Its sometimes so hard to put the feelings into words. Keep writing dear brother!!!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 @ 8:05 am
Hey Floyd! I had no idea you were writing a book, and the second I saw Laub’s facebook message, I was eager to start reading your stories! I loved this one…it showed how much heart and dedication you have in caring for people and guiding them in the right direction. I am looking froward to reading more!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 @ 8:59 am
Interesting. Dad.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
Floyd, thanks for the reminder of where the focus has to be. As a parent I often take on full responsibility of what is going to happen in my kids lives. That’s a joke! As if, I have that much power! Writing is a talent. Thanks for sharing your talent with me. Keep it coming! Love, Lisa
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
This was a nice article . I had a retro moment for when I went to Jr. High back *%! y years ago. I love to see a father’s love because there are not enough fathers that really get involved with there children’s lives in such a personal way as you displayed. Thanks for your Godly example bro. See ya around @ the gym!
Thursday, August 26, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
Floyd,
I miss you very much. I always knew what a loving person and father you were. You are still inspiring me every day, through your faith, your love, and your passion. I also wanted to tell you that my spanish is getting worst because I don’t have you around to teach me lessons. Also, you can use a computer?!? Who knew!
Ok, hope to see you soon Floyd. Love, Melissa
Thursday, August 26, 2010 @ 1:31 pm
I read all three of your entries so far (one of them being your “about” page) and tears came to my eyes during each one. Your writing is so inspiring and it shows such a wonderful side of you that isn’t seen very often. I can tell everything you say comes from the heart, and in my opinion, that is all you really need to be successful with your book. I’ll be checking back regularly for more entries. Love you Floyd!
Thursday, August 26, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
Oh and GOOD LUCK GURM!! Everyone has been there and it is such a scary time, but you will make such amazing friends and create such great memories! Don’t forget to laugh at yourself and everything will be fine 🙂
Thursday, August 26, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
Gurm is so blessed her heavenly Father, gave her such an awesome earthly father to guide her to seek God through this hectic & crazy life. She will always remember that prayer you said with her on that day she was so nervous & know her Dad is always there for her. Amazing & precious. -Herald
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 7:42 am
Floyd, the writing about your earthly father touched my heart and soul, loved it!
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 12:18 pm
Hey Floyd, thanks for introducing me to your father, Gurmy Girl and an Old Dog. Yeah, dads are like coaches. They believe you’re the best and want you to believe it too. My dad never missed a game from junior high to the NFL. Their time with us passes too quickly. Once you figure out that dad’s correction and discipline were not some uncontrolled wrath, they’re gone. My father died December 17, 1973. He was my greatest fan and truest friend. You were blest to have a special relationship with your dad. They say that life’s lessons are sometimes taught or caught. Your dad was a role model who practiced what he proclaimed. Integrity is hard to find. Your story opened a window into his life. Wish I could have met him. We share a common thread. My birthday is May 7.
I’ve only been married five years. You were at the gym when that seed was planted. My wife, Terill is my completer. She is not only my wife she is God’s special gift. For 53 years I waited, hoped, prayed and searched for someone to share a dream. Now I am living that dream. One of my favorite verses is Habakkuk 2:3, “though the vision tarries wait for it”, God is faithful. It’s faith which enables me to believe my relationship with Olivia, my sixteen year daughter will have the love and trust that you share with Gurmy Girl. I know that sixteen year old’s glean from their peers yet as a parent I have a biblical responsibility to train up my child.
Unlike you I wasn’t there from the beginning. I’m still the new kid on the block who is trying to build a family and a home in a new neighborhood. Your story about your youngest daughter’s first day of school encouraged me to press on and pray on.
Maybe an old dog can learn new tricks. With God all things are possible and the Christian life is about finishing strong.
Floyd, I was really blessed to read your manuscript. Your writing introduced me to a Floyd that I was not aware of. You have a gift and an insightful way of expressing your thoughts. God’s given you the ability to draw a picture through words. Continue my friend. Your story has just begun. Your greatest days are ahead.
Great job!
Big Joe.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
Floyd,
You are a Godly man, leading a Godly life and sharing insights into your role as father and husband in that context. You have a lot of hidden talents but your faith in God has never been hidden. You are answering God’s calling to share your faith through a talent he has given you. I have enjoyed all your heartfelt observations and look forward to reading more. Keep up the good work–run with perseverance the race marked out for you (Heb. 12:1).
Oh…about that holey sweatshirt…You wear your faith on your sleeve; that makes it a Holey sweatshirt.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 @ 12:23 pm
Floyd,
Again i find your stories so interesting! I really mean it from my heart. you are really good at this .you are a down to earth man!
thanks for telling me about this. see you at the gym.
Patty
Monday, September 6, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
Floyd,
The picture of your daughter,she is a very cute !
Patty
Thursday, November 4, 2010 @ 11:30 am
last week our class held a similar talk on this topic and you point out something we haven’t covered yet, appreciate that.
– Lora
True Comfort In Prayer
Sunday, March 15, 2015 @ 1:08 pm
[…] nervous. One in particular I chronicled right here back in August of 2010 – that post, “The First Day Of School”, was precisely that; her first day of junior high […]