It’s hard to believe we’re already in November. The back-to-school rush has settled, new routines are (mostly) finding their rhythm, and after weeks of busyness and shifting schedules, I’ve finally found a moment to sit down and write again. I had planned to finish this series sooner, but life had other plans —and that’s okay. I’m learning to give myself grace in the in-between moments when I can’t do it all, when plans change, and when there are seasons when pausing, slowing down, and resting is the kindest, most faithful thing I can do. Because even when things don’t go as planned, God’s timing is perfect.
When we last left off, I began this series, “Preparing my heart and his backpack.” This series has been about navigating the journey of sending our son to preschool —preparing emotionally, preparing my heart, and managing all the tasks that come with sending a little one off to school. Although the first-day jitters are behind us, our journey continues, and I’m sure many of you are eager for an update on how our son is thriving in school.
Today, I’m picking up where we left off- packing the heart and the supplies, because sometimes the real preparation starts after the journey begins.
The Packing Process: Accumulating Supplies
Preschool shopping came with its own kind of lessons for me. I had to pace myself and practice self-control, because the temptation was strong to grab every cute school item in sight. There’s something about a supply aisle that makes you want to over-prepare- maybe it’s the mom in me wanting to make sure he has everything he could need. But I had to remind myself that a preschooler doesn’t need ten packs of crayons, and understand that less is enough.
The bigger decisions, though, carried a different kind of weight. Picking out his backpack was my favorite part, and yet the biggest milestone. It wasn’t just about choosing something sturdy enough for school- it was about picking the very first backpack he would carry, one that fit his little personality and would be part of his first school experiences. Finding the right size, then pairing it with a lunchbox and a set of shoes- all thanks to a lucky clearance section- made it all feel even more real.
Checking off the supply list came piece by piece- crayons, folders, glue sticks- simple items that somehow made everything feel more official. Then came the extras: a change of clothes for messy days, labels for every little item, headphones for comfort, and his favorite snacks so a piece of home would be with him at school. But it wasn’t just the supplies being packed- it was my heart too. Each shopping trip filled me with pride as I pictured him carrying that backpack or walking into class with his new shoes, yet right alongside the pride was an ache, because every bag we brought home meant we were one step closer. The pile of supplies on the counter wasn’t just a pile- it was a countdown, with each item teaching me how to hold both the excitement of a new season and the gentleness of letting go a little more.
The Night Before Packing
The night before preschool carried a rhythm all its own. I laid everything out: his tiny outfit, his shoes set by the door, his backpack open on the table, waiting to be filled. I packed his snacks, tucked in his water bottle, and added those tiny little comfort touches that only a mama thinks of. Every detail felt like a quiet act of love.
Then came the moment of zipping up the backpack, and somehow that simple motion carried the most weight. With the pull of the zipper, it felt like the deal was sealed- he was really going, and the next day we would step into a new season together.
But as I packed the practical things, I realized I was also choosing to pack the unseen supplies: patience for myself as I navigate these changes, trust that God is watching over my son when I can’t, and grace for both of us as we learn along the way. And before I set the backpack by the door, I linger a little longer, whispering prayers over it- prayers this bag would carry more than supplies, that it would carry peace, joy, and reminders that he is loved beyond measure.
The Connection Between Supplies and Heart Work
As I looked over everything laid out and ready, I realized how much the supplies mirrored what I was carrying in my heart. The extra clothes reminded me that preschool will be messy at times- spills, accidents, and meltdowns- and I need to be just as ready to offer grace for mistakes as I am to pack an extra shirt. His lunchbox spoke to me of nourishment, not just for his body but as a reminder that God himself will feed his soul and mine through this new season. The comfort item, his little headphones, reflected the comfort God offers both us when the world feels too loud. And the labels on every single thing whispered something deeper- that even more than being known by a name on his backpack, my son is fully known and loved by God.
Each supply had a practical purpose, but each one also carried a spiritual reminder. They weren’t just school supplies; they became little symbols of what my heart needed to hold onto as well.
Conclusion
As I look back on these past weeks, I’m learning that “Packing my heart” wasn’t just a one-time thing before school started- it’s an ongoing process. Every new morning brings a chance to repack what I carry: a little more patience, a little more prayer, and a whole lot of grace.
The truth is, there will be busy days, forgotten items, and moments when things don’t go as planned. But that’s where grace covers us- in the undone, the unorganized, and the unplanned. God is teaching me in this season that he’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for presence.
So whether you’re in the middle of the school year with your little one, or just trying to find your rhythm again, remember this: No matter how busy the day or the routines, there’s always time to pause, breathe, and gently prepare our hearts. Even the smallest moments of quiet can fill us with peace.