It’s that time of year again! We often say this as the next important event on the calendar rolls around. However, parents know what time it is! Back to school. For some this means a respite from the chaotic action-packed summer “break”. For others, it’s a moment of sadness as we realize the years are flying by and our kids are moving on to the next grade. For many parents, it’s a bittersweet time. Knowing we can’t stop time we move to the next logical question. How can we make the most of the time (and this school year). As you prepare, here are some tips for you.
Let the Spirit lead: School events will pack our schedule but as parents we still get to decide what our family will focus on this school year. Start the year by praying “Lord, help us to stay focused on you this semester.” Or “Father, give us intentionality and balance with family time and busyness”. And “God grow us in Christ this year.” Don’t be a slave to the schedule. Be a slave to the Spirit of God.
Pray for your children: Make it a habit to pray with your children before school each day. Pray in their bedrooms, in the kitchen, or on the drive to school. It doesn't matter where but just pray. Pray blessing, protection, and grace over them. Pray generally. Pray specifically. Just pray. They need this more than you realize. You need this more than you realize.
Embrace new habits: As schedules change so do routines. Maximize the opportunity to set up new habits each day. Habits could include reading the Bible before school, eating together as a family, or a designated 15-30 minutes of tech (and distraction) free family time each night. Set a time, find a place, make a commitment, build a habit. The school year doesn’t get to dictate our priorities. We do!
Meet new people: Regardless of whether you advocate for homeschool, public school, or private school, they all have this in common; Each one is a mission field! As everyday missionaries get out of your comfort zone to get to know school administrators, teachers, paras, and other parents. Look for ways to bless and build relationships. Invite them to church. Share the gospel. School isn’t just a mission field for your kids – it’s a mission field for you! You are where you are for such a time as this.
Don’t waste it: Whatever you do this semester, do it as worship to the Lord. We don’t exist to just “get through” the school year. We only get to do this once so let’s make the most of it. Let’s go all out. Avoiding exhaustion is not our goal (although this would be nice!). Our goal is to glorify God in every season and every circumstance. If you have a “let’s just get through it” mentality then so will your kids. That’s a way to live but it’s not the best way to live. God has more for us!
Spend some time talking to the Lord about this school year. Let God lead this year. Bathe it in prayer. Grow in the Lord. See it as a mission field. Worship no matter what comes your way.
Welcome back students! The Lord is excited to teach us this year.
Ryan Booth | Lead Pastor of Multisite