It's Back to School Time-Time to Pray!
In our area, school begins next week. That is hard to believe when it is still July. Years ago, we had a sign hanging in our home that said, “The three best reasons to be a teacher—June, July and August.” Our kids and teachers don’t have the luxury of a long summer break anymore.
As I walk through stores and see the back-to-school displays, I admit, I am delighted to be a retired educator. It is much more difficult to be a student, teacher, instructional assistant, bus driver, custodian, cafeteria worker or administrator today than it was just a few short years ago. The reasons are obvious so no need to go into them here.
This afternoon, I was thinking about some of the back-to-school experiences I have had as a student, teacher and administrator. I was always nervous on the first day. No matter how many years I had under my belt, that first day was nerve-racking and I always breathed a sigh of relief at the end of the first day.
As I was reminiscing this afternoon and thinking about my grand blessings who will be going back to school and Sweet Husband who is also returning to school this year, I wondered what this wife and Nana could do to help and support them. A memory came flooding back of what a grandmother did several years ago that warmed this principal’s heart. Please allow me to share it with you.
Several days before school began, I received a voice mail that went like this:
“Hi Mrs. Miller. I am the grandmother of two of the students who will be attending your school this year. I wanted to let you know that I am praying for all of you. In fact, last evening, I walked around your school and prayed for my grandchildren and their classmates, you, the teachers and staff and asked God to bless all of you and make it a great year. I will continue to pray for you through out the year. Thank you for all you and your staff will do for my grandchildren this year.”
This was not the usual voicemail waiting for me each morning. I was delighted!
What might happen in our schools and our country if we all do as this grandmother did? Not only pray specifically for a certain school and the children and staff who will be there each day, but also, call or email the principal and teachers letting them know you are praying for them. It was tough being a teacher and principal when I was in those roles. It is many times more difficult today for all involved. Praying for our kids, their teachers and the entire school staff will make a difference.
I am committing to pray for my Grand Blessings, their school and will let their principal know I prayed. Will you join me in praying for the schools of your loved ones and those in your community?
If you do, I would love to hear about it.