I remember every single “First Day of School” that both of my children have experienced. Whether it was the first day of pre-school or high school or somewhere in between, I remember them all. They are sometimes bittersweet memories filled with joy and also a hint of sadness.
I was always so happy to see them in their new outfits and big smiles, headed off to a new year of school. But, I could never shake the tears that came with the realization that they were growing up. And with every year that passed, they were moving towards a new life all their own.
Thankfully, a long time ago, when my oldest child headed off to her first day of pre-school, an older friend handed me a simple piece of paper. On it was a list of prayers that had sustained her when her kiddos were in school. She explained how she “applied” those prayers to the practical things she did for her children each day.
And so I prayed and continue to pray those prayers, too. I’m still so happy and still a little sad to see them go. But I know that as they grow ever closer to that life all their own, they are not alone. They have an earthly mother who has prayed for them every day; and a Heavenly Father who hears those prayers and walks with them every day!
Mommy’s Back to School Survival Guide
As you pack your child’s lunch bag, Pray!
Pray she will hunger for God’s word daily.
Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
As your child climbs those big steps on to the bus, and you wave goodbye, Pray!
Ask God to keep his feet on the path of righteousness always.
Proverbs 8:20 – I will walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice.
As the day goes on and you wonder what your child’s doing, Pray!
Ask your heavenly father to protect her.
Psalm 91:14 – “because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him: I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
As you look over the papers your child brings home each day, Pray!
Pray that his mind will grow in the knowledge of the Lord.
2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
As you empty the backpack and find scraps of paper, bits of crumbs and pieces of broken pencils, Pray!
Pray that God will take any brokenness from the day and bring healing and wholeness.
Psalm 147:3 – He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
