Back to school time is here. Like Every Home, USA the first day of school is hectic, exciting, and often a little emotional. I admit I started to cry when Grace and Samuel drove away in our Chevy Suburban. It was the first time Paul and I didn’t escort them ourselves. Having teenagers makes their mode of transportation different, but it doesn’t change a mother’s heart. I want them to succeed. How do I make that happen? God’s word is always the best way to start.
When my four were much younger, I’d make a point every morning to say something encouraging and confident when they left the car. I’ve been the crazy lady in a robe and fuzzy slippers yelling out of her car window. Some things I made up on the cuff.
“Work hard–you’re going to the moon one day!”
“Remember who you are and whose you are!”
“Make good choices!”
“Mommy WUVS you!”
Last Friday, I woke up to find Samuel already at our kitchen island eating his cereal. He’s the more organized, timely of our youngest. And, as a freshman I’m sure he was a little nervous. It was awhile before I saw Grace. She was preoccupied upstairs doing her hair–because cmon’, junior year in high school demands great hair.
Before the kids headed to the car, we kept our school morning tradition we’ve kept for years – our morning devotion.
This school year is a big deal. Grace and Samuel are in high school together. That’s a poignant moment for me. It means TWO Kraft representatives on campus. I want my kids to understand the importance of that. Our youngest two are walking the halls these next two years. I craved an inspiring word to launch them into their destiny. Plus, I wanted to give them purpose beyond football, US history exams and junior prom.
I read from a Greg Laurie family devotion book I have and settled on Matthew 5:14-16. This is our back to school Bible verse this year. Each morning we are going over this verse until it’s memorized. I’ve given them a pop quiz every now and then in the kitchen, and they’re quick learners.
Are you looking for a verse to pray over your kids or to encourage school jitters? Here’s a few of my favorites:
- Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27
- Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26
- The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
- The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance. Numbers 6:24-26
- 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. Proverbs 3:5-6
- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go Joshua 1:9
Whether your child is starting preschool or college, there’s power in the prayers of a mother. Share the scripture verse you pray for your kids each day. Do you have a special verse for their new school year?
Joanne Kraft is the author of The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids and Just Too Busy–Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical.
Don’t leave before signing up for Joanne’s Newsletter. Enjoy her randomly, amazing links each week to mom-stuff around the web.
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