Back to School 2020

 Like the rest of this year, back to school is nothing like we expected. 2020 has shaken us up and tossed us around like the game of Trouble. But - in the midst of it all one thing has remained constant. God has been, is and always will be in control. He knew the chaos and calamity 2020 would bring. He also knew the wonderful blessings 2020 would bring. For every challenge we have faced there has been an unexpected blessing. Don’t get me wrong. It hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. But I can honestly say the blessings are things I don’t want to give up. Things like time with our families, a slower, undistracted way of life, appreciation for the small things, loving our neighbors in real practical ways. 

And now it’s time for back to school. And things don’t look anything like any of us are used to. Things like virtual school, homeschool, in person school are now etched in our vocabulary. Parents are faced with the tough decision of what type of schooling is best for their child(ren).  Even things like extra curricular programs have changed. In all of this one things remains our priority- our kids. What is best for them in this crazy time we are living in. 

As you prepare to send your kids back to school or to teach them yourself at home, know this. You are not alone. God has put you where you are for a reason. He will give you exactly what you need each day to be the best parent/teacher to your children. 

I’m reminded of these verses in James 1, 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

‭So as you start back to school, I pray that you will remember how loved you are, how much God wants to give you wisdom for the hard things, and how you are exactly the parent your children need right now. 

And don’t do this alone. Rely on God and connect with other parents. We were made to be in community.