I don’t know what going back to school looks like with your family.

When my kids were young, there were squeals of excitement. They loved shopping for new school supplies and anticipating the wonderful world of letters, numbers, and colors. What fun to learn to cut and to use glue! 

Eventually, as they grew older, the subject matter became increasingly challenging and they had lots more to do from writing papers to solving complex problems. Not to mention, they found themselves spending a lot more hours working versus playing.

So these days, let’s just say while my kids look forward to what the new year holds, they are not necessarily throwing a parade to celebrate. 

Being aware of such, I am left with the task of how to start us off on a positive note. Sure, there are sweet treats that I enjoy surprising them with. But, for me, I can think of nothing more fulfilling than to spend time together in God’s Word.

This year we found ourselves in the book of Psalms and I felt compelled to share the following with them:

REMEMBER 
In Psalm 30, David recalled when he was in the depths, the Lord lifted him (v.1) and how he experienced sorrow but then, he felt joy (v.11).

I asked my kids to reflect on their school years by recalling both the high and low points. Yes, some projects were difficult and some concepts were time-consuming to master, but ultimately, they pressed through and they accomplished way more than they could have imagined.

GIVE THANKS
David concluded this Psalm by saying, “O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.” (v.12)

I reminded my children to express gratitude to the Lord for helping them work through every challenge and for the victories they celebrated.

REST
In Psalm 60, David began by stating “My soul finds rest in God alone;” (v.1).

My kids and I discussed the myriad of assignments they would have to tackle in the new year. While it could present as overwhelming, I expressed excitement about what they had the opportunity to do. We decided that doing each one from a place of rest (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) would set them up to complete them all to the best of their ability. 

TRUST GOD 
David goes on in this chapter to declare “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” (v.8)

We agreed that the truth and power in that verse were encouraging and the final word we needed to begin the school year. 

I hope this helps you and your family as well. Praying this new year is a blessing for your children!
~Joyce

by joyce

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