loving people to the point of life: Jesus Christ

Mama, you are doing the right thing…
Heather Jones

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in
all ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

A new school year is starting – cue ALL the emotions. Excitement. Anxiousness. Optimism. Thankfulness. Worry. Relief. Happiness. This time of year often brings all sorts of feelings to both mom and student.

I remember the wave of emotions that would flood my mind as the first day of school drew near as a student. Oh, the excitement to see my friends after summer break and meet my teachers! BUT, oh, the nervousness about the newness that awaited me.

Now, as I drop my own children off at school this week, the same emotions overtake me. Oh, the excitement for the journey they are embarking on! They will learn so many new things and meet so many new friends. They will mature and grow in so many ways; I am convinced of that and I cannot wait to cheer them on. BUT, oh, the nervousness about the newness that awaits them.

During a time when many families are asking the question, “What is the right thing to do?”, we can be confident that the Lord goes with us, never leaving us or forsaking us (Deuteronomy 31:6). There is peace available when we seek the Lord wholeheartedly as we navigate life’s hardest seasons and make life’s toughest decisions. How we educate our children is no exception. So, to all the mamas getting their kiddos ready for another school year:

To the public school Mama, you are doing the right thing.

To the homeschool Mama, you are doing the right thing.

To the virtual school Mama, you are doing the right thing.

To the private school Mama, you are doing the right thing.

To the charter school Mama, you are doing the right thing.

Whatever path the Lord has your family on as we gear up for another school year, know that you are doing the right thing for this season of life. It may look different from your neighbor and that’s ok. But as you seek the Lord for guidance and follow His leading, you can be sure it’s the right thing.

Now more than ever, we must trust the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). We must encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We must be hospitable to one another (1 Peter 4:9) and watch out for one another to provoke love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). And we must love one another as Christ has loved us (John 15:12).

So, as we drop the kids off at the front steps of the school building or wave to them as they load the bus or watch them drive off in their own car or gather them in their homeschool room, let our prayer be the same and our hearts find peace for the journey ahead.

Lord Jesus, cover our children with your protection and presence as another school year begins. Shelter their minds from all things untrue and shield them from the enemy’s attack. Let their words be uplifting to others and bring them courage to be a light for You. And in ALL things, let love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control flow from their innermost being, declaring that You are God!

Let’s talk about it…

  • What are some things that bring you excitement about the start of the school year?
  • Think about the things that bring you worry or uneasiness about the school year ahead and take time to surrender those things to the Lord.
  • What are some verses you can pray over your children this school year?