For most students in our area, Monday was the first day back to school. As a new(er) parent at this (our daughter just started her second year of preschool), I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’m learning to look for the email with the list of supplies she needs. After visiting multiple stores, I’m lowering my hopes for a subtle backpack - especially when my 3-year-old locks eyes on a unicorn backpack that looks like the glitter and sequin aisle threw up all over it. I’m relieved we are back to a predictable schedule instead of patch-working together camps, babysitters and days off. I’m a little in awe at how much she’s grown. I’m a big girl now. I can do it myself. 

If you’re a parent of school aged children, what are you feeling/learning/reflecting upon in this season? If you’re an empty nester, what about you? Are you excited and relieved for the routine? Are you teary-eyed when time moves so fast and children grow? Are you anxious for them or excited? Back to school time brings a range of emotions–not just for our children but also for us. May you lift all of it – all the wonderful things, all the messy things, all the hard things and exciting things, all the sticky glittery things and all the smelly funky surprising things–may you lift all of it to God as a prayer. Leaning into the strength of the God who created you and called you to this work of raising humans is equipping you to do so–and giving you a village to help you. Trusting that the God who was present at Creation is present in the lives of your children whether they are at home or at school. Remembering that God loves them and gives them their own identity and calling which hopefully they’ll use to share the love and light of Christ in their own unique way. The church needs them too. 

Here’s an excerpt of something I read Monday morning after dropping off for the first day of school by Kayla Craig. I hope it blesses you too.  

A Prayer for the First Day of School

O God of new beginnings,
As this child begins this new school year, 
We are reminded that they are Yours
And Yours alone. 

We have filled their backpack, 
And we ask You to fill their heart
With the joy of new friends
And their mind
With the wonder of learning new things. 

You are the God of science
And the God of art,
The God of equations
And the God of song. 

Be with them,
This piece of my heart,
As they embark on this new adventure,
Becoming more themselves
And needing me less 
Every day. 

Give them courage 
To extend kindness to teachers,
Fellow students,
And even themselves.
May they stand tall in who they are,
And may they find friends to sit with.

Ignite passions in them
For Your world and everything in it.
Spark creativity and stoke the fires of imagination…..

O God, we give our own worries
And our parents desire for control To You. 
Thank you for the gift of the first day of school
And for all the days to come. 
May this child learn and grow,
And may I learn and grow too.
Teach us how to love You
And our neighbor
More every day. 
Amen. 

For the full blessing, check out To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents by Kayla Craig or come visit me in my office. We can read it together over a cup of coffee.