I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe it’s “back-to-school time” already! For weeks we’ve been bombarded with commercials, sales, signs, and other constant reminders that it was coming. I just pushed it all aside until now! The time has finally come. Whether or not you are personally going back to school or have kids going back, we’re all affected by this time of year.
Back-to-school marks the beginning of a new season. I know for my family it also means gearing up for the kids’ soccer season, Sunday School classes, and Care Group. But it also means hectic schedules and traffic jams! You know what it’s like to get behind a bus on your way to work, especially the first couple weeks of school! It’s easy to get frustrated and maybe even overwhelmed, but instead of letting it get the best (or worst!) of us, there are some ways we can make it easier on ourselves and maybe even bless others.
For starters, maybe every time you get behind a bus or get stopped in traffic for a bus stop, take a moment to pray for those kids. Pray that as they adjust to a new school year they’ll settle in smoothly and develop great relationships with new friends and teachers. Pray that as they go home after school, that they have a safe, loving home to go to. Pray that somewhere along the way they would come to know Jesus.
Not only do these students need prayer, so do their teachers, principals, bus drivers, administrators, and volunteers! It takes so many people to make it all happen, and all these people have their own lives and struggles. Pray that they would be refreshed and renewed, and also filled with grace as they face a new year filled with new faces and personalities.
If you are a parent or caregiver, now is a great time to instill new routines and values into your kids. Remind them to pray each morning for their friends, teachers, and schools. Encourage them to reach out to others and share the love of Jesus. Give them a new devotional that encourages them to be a light to those around them and helps them to seek God each day.
If you’re lamenting the end of summer like I am, don’t forget that at the end of each season comes a new one. One that can get us back on track and can help us grow closer to Jesus and others.
” For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” Isaiah 54:10
