A metaphor and a prayer for the start of school ...

Today is a big first for us.

Caroline went to HIGH school.  She was picked up at 7:15 and Bill said … “our daughter just got in a car with a teenage driver”!  I hadn’t thought about that, but off she went!

Brittany went to middle school.  One of her friends invited her and several others over for breakfast before they went to school.  They all enjoyed seeing each other and then got to ride in the car and all walk in together.

Savannah went to fourth grade which is the first year they “switch” classes (and that totally counts for something!).   I love Savannah’s excitement about anything and everything.  She is a great story teller and made the story of Bill taking her to get a smoothie (and drinking it on the school playground) last night sound like an adventure to end all adventures.

And Jacob started first grade.  The big time.  Real school (with a beautiful teacher that I think he may already have a crush on!).

So glad these two still have each other at school:

I was so excited for all four of them.  It didn’t even occur to me to be sad.  I told Bill … “aren’t you proud of me .. I didn’t cry.  I think I’m really growing up.”  The problem was I said that before I came home to my quiet house where every year before I had my dog to pet when the children were gone.  And well … I still miss ole Loop quite a bit.

And firsts like these always cause me to become somewhat introspective  … have I taught them enough at home, did they spend too much time watching TV, should I home school (ok, not really on that one).  :)

But as I watched this video, I thought of what a great metaphor it was for parenting.  You can show your kids, help your kids learn … but they have to do it for themselves.  And they will be fine.  Jacob is learning and reaches out for Brittany to help him along (can I just say that I love that … love seeing him reach for her and her helping him … warms my heart).  As he skates towards the wall I yell … “you can do it … you don’t need the wall!”  As much as I want to go hold him up …. I can’t.  I have to let him skate on his own … away from the wall.

And he did great.

And I think that is so fitting for the first day of school.  Caroline can do it, Brittany can do it … Savannah and Jacob can do it.  They’ll be fine.

I can watch and cheer and be there if they get banged up but it’s fun to watch what all they can do.

More than anything my prayer for my kids this year is that they will be a friend, have friends and be a light for Christ in their schools.

My friend Debra shared this prayer that she found and I think it is perfect:

Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and their lunch accounts are full.

And I know you’ll walk with them, Lord. You always do. But a mom still has to ask.

Will You walk with them?

Will You whisper to them what they need to hear, when I’m not there to whisper it?

Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You can give, and will You keep harm far away?

Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn?

Will You help them understand that hard work honors the One who created them?

Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity and more patience?

Will You bless them for their efforts?

Will You love all those children there, the ones whose lunch accounts aren’t full, the ones who feel alone?

Will You teach my children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from them?

Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can?

Lord, I give them to You today and everyday, trusting them to Your care.

Amen.

And amen.

Y’all have a great year!