I interrupt the scheduled A to Z Memory Verse post to “mark this moment” with school starting for our family today. The “R” verse will be coming soon – promise!
Hey Friends –
It’s “Back to School” day for us today! Can I get a Woo Hoo?
Now some years, the start of school has brought crocodile tears and painful emotions of loss, but this year- not so much. (Except adjusting to my college student, which is a different post for a different day – sniffle sniffle ).
For the past weeks our home has been filled with whiny voices saying nonsense talk like “Mom, there’s nothing to doooo”, “Mom, she’s bothering me again”, “Mom, he’s looking at me”, “Mom she’s cheating at Uno again”…. you get the drift.
This year I’m agreeing with Beth Moore, who posted on Twitter today…
LOL!
One tradition we practice in our home is the ceremonial “1st Day of School picture” in the same spot in our foyer. Here are the photos from this 2012-2013 school year….
Sarah – 3rd Grade
Manda – 4th Grade
Benj – 5th Grade
Jake & his mama
(Pic above from Aquinas College Parent Day. See cartoon above and note I’m clenching kleenex in my left hand)
Even though the school year just started, I’m learning quite a few lessons already, such as…
- Seasons
stinkchange. Our kids grow up, move out, make their own choices. It’s a good thing. We want them to have roots and wings. (I keep trying to tell myself this anyway.)
- Traditions change. It’s ok. What worked for one school year may not work for another. Case in point – “tea time“. For many years, tea time was the highlight of my day. I loved finding the right snack and couldn’t wait to hear everything that my kids experienced during their day. This year, Benj arrives home an hour earlier than his sisters, and he says he’s too old for tea time now. Boo. 🙁
- A mother’s love never changes. ‘Nuff said. 🙂
But the Most Important Thing for us to remember as we start a new school year is the power of prayer.
I’ve been thinking about Max Lucado’s quote..
When men work, men work.
When men pray, God works.
I like to think of it like this…..
When moms work, moms work. When moms pray, God works!
Let’s ask God to work in the hearts of our kids, teachers, administrators and us this school year. May we all look and love more like Jesus than we do today!
For more prayer resources/ideas/downloads…
- 31 Days of Prayer for Your Kids
- A Prayer for a New School Year
- Inspirational Prayers
- A Meditation for Teachers based on 1 Corinthians 13
- How to Pray for Teachers
I’d love to hear from you, dear friends! How do you prepare for Back to School? Any tips you’ve learned along the way? Share with us please!
Here’s to a wonderful, safe, courageous, Kingdom advancing school year!
P.S. Anyone want to come join me for tea time??! Smile.
P.P.S. We are continuing our Sundae Nights tradition. Thanks Torresson Family for a GREAT Sundae Night!
Tom Torresson
Sigh. One more week til we start. Lots of mixed emotions over here! So many changes. ((hugs)) to you!
Very wise of you to take the 1st day of school pictures at the same spot every year! Volunteering & taxi-ing, was a way I could stay in-tune & in-touch with my girls lives when they were in school & away from the nest! Hosting the parties at our house! The girls have great memories of those & it allowed us a chance to get to know their friends! Pray & then pray some more-always being watchful & thankful for what God will do!
I will join you for tea time! The girls had a great time today and we made sure to pray for them and their teachers last night. I want that to be a daily tradition at our house!
I love this post. It spoke to this traveling mom’s heart today. Thank you, Cindy;-)
Would Benj be okay with the tradition if the name changed to something more manly? And maybe the food more hearty? Praying for you!
okay. we’ve been in school so long, we’re about to have a four-day weekend! the school year for me means focused, whole-family bible and prayer time in the mornings. and everyone home in the evenings.
Cindy,
I am thinking our seasons and traditions will be changing this year too with one entering middle school and leaving an hour earlier than the other kids. I have my three oldest all starting new schools…..so I am praying for their transitions AND mine. 🙂 God grows us as he grows them. Thanks for sharing your post!
Love,
Jill
what a great comic strip you posted! Ha! Love that….what a true picture. Praying for your Jake and for both of your transitions.