It’s been so long since I wrote a blog post, I’m not even sure I know how to do it anymore. But I really miss connecting in this way, so here I am, ready to try!
The last post I wrote was a year ago, after Chase had started 6th grade at the giant public middle school by our house. It was his second choice after the magnet school – which he didn’t get into – and the only other school he would have friends at. So John and I reluctantly sent him off each day and struggled to surrender all the things we couldn’t control… like the way kids treated him and the anxiety he was having to work through.
There were some beautiful tokens of grace, like a fantastic core teacher who really appreciated Chase, and a schedule that happened to line up with his only two friends at the school. But it was a hard year; no doubt about it. There were several instances when I was ready to pull him out because it was just too painful to watch him struggle. Yet, when I offered an alternative, Chase insisted that he could stick it out. And he did. He pushed through and as a result, grew in maturity, compassion and strength. I have never been more proud of him.
Shortly after the school year began, an opportunity arose for me to work at his old elementary school supervising lunch and recess each day. It meant that I was a district employee and would have first dibs on choosing a school for the following year. While it was a sacrifice at times to have my day broken up in pieces, it was such a joy to demonstrate my love for Chase in a tangible way. After shaking off some guilt, he gladly received it. The real surprise for me was how blessed I felt through this job, delighted by the relationships I got to enjoy all year with staff and students. Funny how that works.
The most amazing piece in all of this is that near the end of the year, Chase recognized his need for a savior and, by his own initiative, accepted Jesus as his Lord. It doesn’t get more significant than that. If it had been up to me, I would have chosen an easier path for him, but that just shows how short-sighted I can be and demonstrates God’s goodness in allowing His kids to go through hard things.
All of this is good for me to remember as we settle into a new school year. Chase is (thankfully!) attending the magnet school – exactly where he wanted to be – but everything is new and he is behind on some skills in their accelerated program and, let’s be real, change is hard. Once again, he is doing the hard work of showing up and doing his best and, once again, I am surrendering my own fear and control to the God who knows exactly who He is shaping Chase (and me) to be and knows exactly how to accomplish it. I can’t help but think that more growth, gratitude and other good things are on their way.
where waves grow sweet 
Great to hear from you again, Kara. And what a wonderful update!
By: mitchteemley on August 22, 2025
at 2:21 pm
Thank you, Mitch! So good to be back!
By: Kara Luker on August 22, 2025
at 11:14 pm
You will come to appreciate that school job you have. I volunteered for 11 years reading to first graders after 21 years teaching high school. The students and staff were sweet and I got to see and be a part of something entirely different from the high school experience.
But, through the 11 years I still missed high school students. Little kids sort of drive you crazy in a different way from the teenagers. The time has come, though, after 11 years to move on. Not sure what is next except to spend more time with our grandchildren who are in middle and high school.
By: dkzody on August 23, 2025
at 9:28 am
What an amazing investment you’ve made in the lives of so many kids for so many years! I have been moved by how much appreciation they have for even the smallest amount of attention, kindness or shared playfulness. It seems to me that grandkids are a natural next step after your journey. I hope it is a blessed season for you!
By: Kara Luker on August 24, 2025
at 10:41 pm
Hi, Kara. This post is a great follow-up to the “Trust Me” post from a year ago. It is good to see how that year turned out. Our God inhabits eternity, which makes us “children of eternity.” We think in terms of time passing, proximity and distance, and other limiting factors. Thanks be to our God that He is neither bound nor bothered by these. One year later we find Him patiently and effectively at work, as is His custom.
May our God bless and keep you and your tribe, Kara. Thanks for picking up that digital pen again!
By: 1pursuit on August 26, 2025
at 5:30 pm
Thank you! Yes, I love that truth (and the post you wrote) about being children of eternity! He is not bound or bothered by “limiting factors” and I love the restful thought that we won’t be either as we grow in him and trust him more. By the way, I tried to comment on a Lilias Trotter quotes a couple weeks ago, which really resonated and got me thinking, but there was some kind of glitch and it wouldn’t let me. Much of what you write hits me that way so I will just thank you here!
By: Kara Luker on September 3, 2025
at 1:44 pm