As the summer days start to wane and the scent of autumn fills the air--even if it’s that you just passed the candle section of Walmart---the familiar excitement and nervousness of the back-to-school season is here again. For parents, students, teachers, administrators, lunchroom attendants, bus drivers---this time of year represents a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. However, as we stand on the threshold of a new school year, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom found in Scripture, which teaches the importance of placing our trust in God for his guidance.
Proverbs 3:5-6- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
This verse from Proverbs is a reminder of the power of trust. As we send our kids off to school, we can find solace in knowing that God's plans for them are greater than our own. Thank you Lord for that! And by leaning on our faith and surrendering our worries, we can pave the way for God to illuminate their paths with His wisdom and protection.
Philippians 4:6-7- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Our girls, Della and Maggie have gotten old enough to not want to admit it—but are definitely anxious going in to 7th and 9th grades this year. Back-to-school preparations often bring about a flurry of worries and concerns. However, turning to prayer can alleviate our anxieties. Sometimes I’ll tell my girls that even when they don’t have the words to say --just simply say the name of Jesus. I find myself doing this throughout my own days of anxiousness too! By relinquishing our fears and uncertainties to God, we open ourselves up to experiencing the profound peace that only He can provide. Through this peace, we can guide our children with a calm and hopeful spirit.
As we stand on the cusp of this new school year, remember that our children's education is not solely determined by textbooks and teachers. By instilling in them a foundation of trust in God's guidance, we equip them with an unwavering faith that will shape their experiences and interactions within their school community!
We can find peace amidst the unknown and confidently entrust our girl’s and boy’s futures to the One who knows and loves them best. Blessings, Amy