Back to School Soul Food

Fridays I try to share a cornucopia of resources that I pray will cheer, inspire, encourage, or just make you smile. Here you go…

It seems that from mid-August to mid-September, every week another batch of kids are starting back to school.

Honestly, the week after Labor Day is the hardest of the year for me. I’m deeply sad that summer is ending, rhythms are changing, people will be “hibernating” soon, and I miss doing this season with our girls who are on opposite coasts.

I miss the back-to-school shopping and the exciting beginning of all of the THINGS for the new year.  I miss “bouquets of newly-sharpened pencils”, the season of hands-on parenting with all the family traditions, and night time prayers, and snuggled up in jammies story reading.  I miss our first day of school chicken pot pie dinner, and I miss the annual measuring of our girls.

Can I make 2 suggestions as a mom whose kids are grown?

First, hug your kids and pray (out loud) over your them before they head out the door. It can be a very simple “Lord please help _____ to be brave and kind today. May _________ know he/she is always loved by us and You, and You are always with him/her.”

Second, sometime today when the kids are out the door to pre-school or high school or college, (or their job because the empty nest may be a myth, dontchaknow), take a minute in the stillness after the “get ’em out the door storm” and look around you.  Even walk through your quiet house. Look for signs of growth in your kids and in your family.  And thank God.  

If you’re a parent sending a child off to school for the first time, or dropping them off at college, or getting them settled in their first apartment, this blessing is for you:

Today, may you hold tightly to the hand of your heavenly Father, just as your children have held yours. May you know deep in your soul that even when you aren’t with them, there is a Parent who is. He is all-knowing, eternally loving, and has good plans for your kids. May your children see glimpses of God’s love, His grace, and His care for them wherever they are today. May He equip them to be brave, kind, and celebrated as fully themselves – wonderfully made.

Whether it’s changing seasons, a move you’ve chosen, or loss of a relationship, transition is hard. You might find some helpful thoughts here.

In spite of grieving the end of summer, we lean into autumn, and there’s lots to look forward to. What are you excited to celebrate? Journal a list?

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3 nlt
Isaiah 43:19

One of the perks of parenting – embarrassing your kids.

For those of us Downton Fans, here’s a 12 minute clip to help us get excited for the movie coming in September!

Can you even BELIEVE this is a thing???! Raise your hand if you’re adventurous enough to try.

I LOVE Half Baked Harvest, and can’t wait to try this (instead of pumpkin spice spam)!

Lastly, when dogs go to school 🙂

I’d love to have you join me over on Instagram! Come say “Hey!” and have a great weekend!