Perspective

This spring, as we look towards the end of the school year, we are discovering it means so much more than just another school year coming to a close. Life as we know it is about to change, and there is only one way I can really grasp how earth-shaking this is for our family--through pictures.

When Derek left shift work at the police department to fill in for the staff services sergeant away at war, we experienced life for the first time with a Monday-Friday job, working 8-5. After 5 and 3/4 years of rotating shifts, this was a welcome change. We had two children and one on the way...our family looked like this:

When the time in the office came to a close, Derek became the D.A.R.E. officer. This was also a Monday-Friday position. Derek got a taste of what it takes to work as a law enforcement officer within elementary schools, and his love of building into kids' lives within the education system was born. Our kids were 6, 3, and 1 when he took this position.

Our 3 little boys sitting on Daddy's DARE cruiser

In August of 2007, another new position began for Derek. He was appointed to build the SRO program at our high school, becoming the School Resource Officer there. To be honest, it was a difficult year all the way around. Derek faced lots and lots of challenges--some of which we expected, some not. Even though this was also a Monday-Friday position, it put tremendous strain on our family life. We did not see that coming. One day at a time, with God holding us together, we found our rhythm in this position.

Kids are 8, 5, and 3

Now, after 6 years as SRO, Derek has found his niche. He relates well with the students and staff. He frequently teaches classes. Many, many people tell me how much they appreciate Derek and everything he does for our high school. Our own kids are proud of their dad. And in all reality, this current role Derek has is all they know.

Our 3 not-so-little boys, ages 13, 11, and 9 on Dad's SRO cruiser

Here comes the change part. When school ends this month, Derek will be stepping down as the SRO. This is how his department operates--on rotation, and Derek's rotation within our schools is done. Good or bad, right or wrong, wanted or unwanted--the end result remains: Derek goes back to shift rotation in June.

Ripping away the familiar is jolting. I feel exposed, afraid, poured out, and vulnerable. Even more significant than all of that, I feel for Derek. He has used his gifts, talents, and abilities to serve so many kids and families of our community, and now it's ending. Oh, I know he will have an impact on his new shift. But shift work is fleeting. The long-term impact just isn't present on a shift like it is within the high school. Through working in the school system, I believe Derek discovered he has the heart of a teacher. Combine that with his gifts in law enforcement, and we believe this position has been the perfect fit for Derek.

So, throughout the next few months (and year), we are asking God to help us all find our new rhythm. Derek will have the most adjustments to make, but the kids and I need to step up to the plate too. I believe God has great things in store for Derek and our family, I really do. It's just hard looking at it from this side of things. Oh, how I wish God would fill me in on what He is doing here! But I trust Him. I choose to believe He has it all in His hands.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."