October 23, 2024 The Elementary School Drop-Off Line
The Elementary School Drop-off Line
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good,
will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ
displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)
I started volunteering at Hudson’s school not long ago with a PTO group called “Dads in Action”—basically, we’re the morning car drop-off line crew. I’ve done it about four times now, and in that short time, I’ve noticed there are two types of drop-offs: the Fumbling Frenzy Drop-off and the Smooth Operator Drop-off.
I’m experienced enough now that I can spot a Fumbling Frenzy before the car even reaches the front of the school. As the car comes around the bend, it leans into the corner, sometimes looking like it’s going to tip onto two wheels. When I open the door, a backpack tumbles out, one kid is halfway out the window, the lunchbox gets forgotten, and after the child gets out, the parent drives off, still shouting through the window about which practice they have tonight. I can palpably feel the chaos.
Then, there are the Smooth Operator Drop-offs. These cars arrive with time to spare. There’s a quick kiss, a calm “I love you! Have a great day and learn lots!” from the parent, usually followed by a “Thanks, Mom!” or “See you, Dad!” from the child.
Wow, what a difference.
Today’s passage from Paul’s letter to the Philippians encourages us to release our worries to God and let the goodness of Christ settle our hearts and calm our minds. If we’re being honest, there’s often something deeper behind a Fumbling Frenzy drop-off—a parent’s mind tangled up in stress, maybe thinking about what they’re going to say at a 9 AM meeting. Or maybe it’s a child who spilled syrup on their shirt and had to change, eating up precious minutes.
Last year, PUMC walked through a sermon series on “the margins of life,” and mornings are where we tend to erase every second of our margins. We speed up our routines, becoming frantic and disconnected from God and each other. We end up in a Fumbling Frenzy almost by default—unless we intentionally create space for connection. That little bit of margin can make all the difference in how we start our day, both with God and with our kids.
Reflect: What does your morning routine look like and how would you describe its pace? Is it a Fumbling Frenzy or a Smooth Operator approach?
How might you open up a bit of space in your morning routine to connect with God and your family in a way that invites peace and connection?
Pray: Gracious God, thank You for being with us in both the smooth and the hectic moments of life. Help us to release our worries to You, trusting in Your peace and guidance. When our minds feel cluttered and our mornings feel rushed, remind us to pause and seek Your presence. Show us how to create space for connection—with You and with our loved ones. May Your love flow through us, even in the busiest moments, and help us start each day with peace, purpose, and a heart full of grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
With faith, hope and love,
Eric Smith