Back to school...

I love the first day of school. As a former teacher, I am easily excited by new backpacks, lunch boxes, crayons, pencils, notebooks, etc. The anticipation for the first day of school comes once a year and contains all types of emotions. However, when I'm the Mommy and not the teacher, the emotions are a little heavier on the sad side. Don't get me wrong, we had lots of fun getting ready for school with all our things in place. New shoes, too. But when the first day actually came, it hit me that here we go again; another year will fly by as they are growing up way too fast in front of my eyes!

Emily started 3rd grade this year...3rd grade!!! How did we get here so quickly? She had a great first day and told us last night this was the best first day of school she's ever had. She couldn't stop talking last night about her day. She is in a class of 12 girls, knows most of them already, and got the teacher she wanted. Her year is off to a great start!

Benjamin started kindergarten today...kindergarten!!! How did we get here so quickly?

We walked to school this morning as we will do every day. I could feel my steps getting heavier as we got closer to the school. Whoa...materials are ready and in hand, but I forgot about my heart and how it would feel.

Our neighborhood school is amazing and we had a great day at "Meet the Teacher".

We've heard wonderful things about our teacher, so we are glad to be in her class. Lining up this morning in front of the school before the class goes in, I noticed the line seemed long. And, it kept getting longer! Ben has 25 kids in his kindergarten class. Many prayers will go up for his teacher this year...can you imagine? I have to admit, 12 in a class is nice. It's going to be a while before 25 sits well with me.

Next week, my baby will start her preschool class...preschool!!! How did we get here so quickly?

So, what is a mom to do?

I first opted for these...

And then, I remember I really need to opt for this...

A Mother's Prayer for the First Day of School

Here we are again, Lord.

Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and their lunch accounts are full.

And I know you will 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 the 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 every day, trusting them to your care.

Amen.