The kids started school last week – First grade and Fourth grade. How did they get so big? They have had their bags packed with supplies for weeks and as the big day got closer, they were both very excited.
The first day was wonderful – they both talked and talked and talked on the way home. So fun. It’s going to be a bit of an adjustment for Anna being at school all day now (she was tired!), but she’s also excited about that part.
It was probably a bigger adjustment for me – so strange with them both gone during the day. I had a few tears on the way home but remembered my mom’s advice and placed each child into the hands of God and went on my way. Once home I buckled down to the work I needed to do and got a ton accomplished. That felt great and also helped with the house being so quiet.
The night before school started we went out for pizza and ice cream – one final hurrah of summer – and then before bed talked through putting on the armor of God. Every year before we school we go through this. Last year we actually “put on” different things to reinforce each part, but this year we just talked about it. The kids didn’t even want to talk about it again, but I pray each time we do it plants a few more seeds about turning to God during all of the things that will come up for them. I hope they talk to God throughout their day and stand firm with Him in the face of difficulty.
Lord, we pray for James and Anna this school year and ask that you would bless them. Help them to be a blessing to others. Protect them while they are at school. May they trust you with every part of their day and turn to you!
Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
