It’s that time of year

You’ve probably noticed back to school sales with uniforms, notebooks, and lunch boxes. Except this year looks a little different (and that’s definitely an understatement).  School uniforms are being replaced with sweatpants and sweatshirts, reusable lunch bags and boxes are on the clearance racks, and computer headphones are one of the hottest ticket items. In the fall of 2019, no one could have ever dreamed of the start of the 2020 school year. Many of you are being called way outside the boundaries of your comfort zone, but what in 2020 has been normal, right?

Take comfort

Despite the many ways our lives are out of our control, we can take comfort in our Sovereign God who is in control. He is not surprised by any of the events that have and are continuing to happen in our world, our country, and our homes. And He has created and called each of you for such a time as this, whether your kids are at school wearing masks all day, at home in your kitchen, or a combination of the two.

You are not alone

God will equip you for what He has called you to do, but He does not promise it will be easy, and it likely won’t be easy because that’s when we see Him the most.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong,” (2 Cor. 12:9-11).

Prayer is essential. Through prayer we humble ourselves to the calling God has given us. But you must rely on His strength to carry you and grow you and your children in the process. The posture that He desires most is for you to be on our knees, making holes in your jeans.

There is a plan and a purpose for this season

God clearly defines what He wants from you as a parent in Psalm 78. Before you do anything, He asks that you not only hear, and more importantly, listen to His words.  Daily, open His Word to direct and guide your path. You cannot pour out to your children what you have not first poured into your own soul.

Second, remember. Draw from the truths of God’s Word, but also His kept promises in your own life. Write them down in a journal, so you can reflect upon His faithfulness.

Third, repeat these 2 steps with your kids. Let them not only hear but listen to God’s Word and then see His faithfulness through your life and in theirs. You might not have this, but God certainly does. Trust Him as you and your kids both head back to school.