And they're off!
Well, they’re off! Each of my children has begun their 2011-2012 school year. As I prayed with and for each of them, I was reminded that part of the core of what we do as parents is to prepare and send our children into the world. Our kids are not just ours, they were fashioned by God for great things. Things that as parents we participate in but that go beyond us. My children today will face new challenges, meet new people, and begin to work out their calling to be part of what God is doing in this world.
I took the opportunity yesterday and this morning to say a few things to each of my children. I thought I would share them with you since we are all part of the children of Redeemer.
- I reminded each of them that today, I would be praying for them often. That they needed to remember that God is with them and that their daddy is praying for them. Praying for protection, for wisdom, and that they would work very hard!
- I reminded them that they will have opportunities to love and take care of people that others might not care for. That part of being Christ in their school is to actually look for people to love. I even told them of a story where I defended a child against a bully and almost paid a pretty high penalty for doing so. Thankfully, the Principal of the school walked in. Though the bully got away, the victim was taken care of. I told them it may be costly to love, but their is life in it and it is what Christ has done for us.
- I reminded them that their family at Redeemer would be praying for them.
- I told them that I would be waiting for them when they finish their first day and that I couldn’t wait to hear how it went. If they had a great day, I will celebrate with them. If it was the worst day of the school career, I will cry with them.
Probably the biggest stressor for me personally was sending Avery off to Jr. High. This will be a totally new experience for her as she navigates older children, new classes, new building, and really takes the next step in maturing as a young woman. As I sent her off with 4 other girls and a lovely mother who volunteered to drive them, I thought to myself, “I am so thankful Lord that though I cannot be with her now, You will be. Though I cannot speak into her ear and guide her, You will. Though I am not a perfect father who can watch over her, You are and You will.” I was reminded that my children will become adults and that their story includes me but it isn’t about me. Rather, my parenting is about loving God, loving my children, and resting in the promises of God’s grace for them.
Jesus rests in His Father’s love in the most overwhelming of challenges, namely the cross. He calls out to His Father and after voicing all of His anxieties and fears, He says, “Not my will, but Your will be done.” (Matt. 26:42) Jesus knows that the Father loves Him, wants only the best for Him, and trusting in His Father is really the best thing to do. That’s my prayer for my children, for myself, and for you.
I often wonder if this whole parenting thing isn’t more about my own spiritual growth and my own development in believing that God will not only watch over me, but also those most precious to me. Today, I’ll be praying that my children and your children discover again today that the Father really does love them, is with them, and that He will guide their every step. What better thing could we even ask than this but to know that the Love of our Souls is loving on our children even as we read this.
May God bless the first day of school for the children of Sugar Land!
