Bye Bye Summer. . .It's Back to School

Oh, these kids!  I look at them growing up right before my very eyes and I am amazed at who they are becoming. The more I've leaned into God, the more I've come to really appreciate and pour into this chosen career of mine: motherhood.

Our fifth and third graders are both on the same side of the campus now.  I can see the twinkle lights in the third grade classroom from my upstairs bedroom window and each time I pass, I intentionally pray for my son, his teacher, and classmates.  I love that he is so close. I don't love that he still is not a big fan of homework.  Truth be told son, neither am I.  We'll get through it.  We always do. This fifth grader of mine who is growing into her own skin and so dang comfortable with who she is.  I often find myself thinking, "Who are you?"  How is it that I learn so much from you? Your confidence? Your courage?  Your strength?  Your ability to block out the words of the world?  Your ability to be who God intends you to be?  It amazes me.  It humbles me.  It seems you have a knowledge that has taken me years and tears to learn.  I want to be just like you when I'm really grown. 

And my pre-school princess, whose first day wasn't this week--but who had to be a part of the pictures anyway.  I get it.  I do.   I'm relishing in our tea parties and walks around town.  I tell people I have two years with you until kindergarten will beckon.  Sometimes that feels like an eternity.  Sometimes it doesn't feel long enough.  We are on year number two together with this awesome one day a week work schedule of mine and I'm learning to say no to the unnecessary stuff.  The stuff that I feel like I should be doing because I'm at home, but the things that aren't necessarily the most important use of my time.  That's a hard lesson to learn sometimes.  I am definitely a work in progress.  For sure.

I have so much hope for a good school year.  So many prayers on my heart for these kids of mine, their teachers, the kids they are surrounded by daily...but I saw this prayer at We Are That Family and tailored it to fit our needs(which means I only deleted two prayers that didn't apply):

I pray you will be near them when I can’t be.
I pray if they don’t feel your presence, they will seek you and discover you’re right there with them.
I pray you will surround them with peace and comfort in every new situation.
I pray when they are pressured, you will help them stand.
I pray they find one good friend, a brother or sister in Christ because it’s hard to stand alone.
I pray that 7 AM won’t come as early this year.
I pray when they fail, they will forgive themselves and try again.
I pray my kids will befriend those that are new, lonely or both.
I pray they will not sit next the child who has to throw up in the class trashcan.
I pray they will be a blessing to their teacher and not a curse.
I pray you will bless them with Godly teachers as you have in the past.
I pray they will have fun. But not too much, if you know what I mean.
I pray they will let their light shine, quietly or loudly, but in their own way.
I pray homework will be light and not become Home. Work.
I pray that you will help me to trust their choices, let them go even when it’s hard, and pull them close when they need me to the most.
I pray above all, God,  that you would use their challenges, disappointments and victories to draw them closer to you this school year.