Back to School
New backpacks, new shoes. New teachers, new schedules. All these new things can cause both our children and us to experience a rush of nerves. The "Back to School" season has a way of resetting everything at once. Or a reminder, even the fear that nothing this year will change.
As I've been considering my children's return to school, I can't help but think about scripture. Here at REUNION we believe Scripture isn't just information, scripture is formation. Scripture becomes the words we keep coming back to, not because they just tell us what to think but because they retrain how we think. Scripture can resurface everywhere: in our mood, our stress, even our bodies. What we're rooted in is what we grow into: A calmer home this year. A braver kid. A family that leans on God. And I believe the continued growth of our Christlike character will continue by choosing what words we choose to form us.
So here's my invitation. Below are fourteen verses from the New Living Translation. I'd love you to read through them today. You can do this alone today, but I'd love you to invite your child into the process tonight before you pick one. Together, ask God which scripture your child and family can carry into this year. Then hand your Bible, or your phone, to your kid and let them read it out loud to you. What verse captures their attention, curiosity and wonder?
Before you read, pray:
God, thank you for the fresh start "Back to School" brings. Help us choose a scripture that will form, guide and lead us. Root our family in your wisdom and love. Use this scripture to retrain our minds and calm our hearts. This year belongs to you, will be surrounded by you and protected by you. Thank you for inviting us to love like you. By the power of your Spirit we pray, Amen.
Here's the list:
Joshua 1:9 "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Psalm 91:1-2 "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him."
Proverbs 13:20 "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."
Proverbs 17:17 "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."
Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
Romans 12:10 "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."
Romans 12:6-8 "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
Galatians 6:4-5 "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct."
John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
James 1:5 "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ."
Psalm 139:14 "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."
Psalm 16:11 "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."
Matthew 5:13-16 "No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
What verse stands out? What verse is an invitation, and yes at times even a challenge, your child (each kid can have their own) senses they'd like to grab a hold of? Feel free to ask them, "Why?" If your child is young, by all means take the lead!
I'd encourage you to print off or write down the verse to place in their room. You can read it together each morning or evening. I'll be praying for you too!
