Back to School Encouragement

Nostalgia as thick as perfume. I cried as the school buses paraded through my neighborhood announcing the first day of school. As a product of Indiana’s public schools who passionately taught in the Mississippi public high schools, the ‘Back to School’ atmosphere is one that I have always enjoyed breathing in: the smell of new school supplies, the anticipation of new teachers, the colorful and student-specific decorations, the shrill of the dismissal bell. There is so much beauty in the ordinary school day, and I don’t believe we appreciate the impact of those years until much later.

I married a man who has walked (and is still walking) through nearly every schooling option: home, public, magnet, private; and this has been extremely helpful in helping us decide a plan for schooling our own children. This year, we have chosen to homeschool our children. Next year, we will reevaluate and again ask the Lord to help us. Some of my friends opted to go the public school route. And still other close friends are sending their children to private schools. There are so many options, so many wonderful blessings in having the freedom to choose the mode of education for your children.

And what we believe is right for our family in this season, may not be what is right for your family in your season. But I wanted to give school-aged parents some encouragement as they embark on another school year.

As you seek to honor the Lord in all you do (Colossians 3:17), teach and train your children in righteousness and godliness (Deuteronomy 11;19), confidently pray for your children (Hebrews 4:16), do all things without grumbling (Philippians 2:14-15), and do it all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), you can rest knowing that nothing is outside of God’s sovereign, good hand—not even your decision in schooling. Your call as a Christ-follower is to walk in a manner worthy of your calling (Ephesians 4:1). Seek the Lord (Jeremiah 29:13). Abide in Jesus (John 15:4) Obey his commands (1 John 5:3). Let God’s word renew your mind (Romans 12:2). Be convinced of your own family’s decision (Romans 14). Keep your mind on eternity (2 Corinthians 4:18). Rest in the goodness of God (Psalm 34:8). And trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5).

Are you teaching math to your children at the kitchen table today?

Honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

Did you send your children on a big yellow bus this morning?

Honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

Is your child wearing an emblazoned uniform today?

Honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

It’s a day that is filled with a mix of emotions for so many. New transitions. New beginnings. But we can be confident that Jesus loves our children so much more than we can comprehend. He demonstrated that on the cross (Romans 5:8). And our job, regardless of our schooling choice, is to be a beacon of light pointing our children to the eternal hope found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:14). Jesus “welcomed the children, testified to their eternal value, prayed for them, and spoke to their legitimate place in his kingdom. We bring our children to the same Jesus today” (Megan Hill, Partners in the Gospel, 73). So whether your schooling looks similar or different than everyone else’s, we can and should and are called to be united in the unchanging truths of the gospel (Romans 12). Honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

Happy 2021-2022 school year, everyone.