If you haven’t purchased those back-to-school supplies by now, they will soon be replaced with Valentine’s Day cards. Of course, you may need to take out a loan to purchase all of them. When I was preparing my kids for their first day of school, backpacks had not yet become popular. Their books and supplies were held in a canvas bag r their arms, along with a lunch box. I still have nightmares about forgetting to make their lunches.
Soon kids may be pulling a cart with all their school necessities. I-pads and computers take the place of books, but in the meantime, I wonder what carrying all those other things on their backs will do to their aging bodies someday, but I digress.
The end of summer conjures memories of my childhood vacation times. I often spent the entire summer at my grandparent’s farm in Northern Wisconsin. I can still picture the line of pine trees that stood at attention, leading up to the front door of the farm. The smell of fresh air and homemade bread baking still linger in my memory. Oh, the blessed days of our youth. When the cares of the world are non-existent and the only thing to worry about was how we looked in a bathing suit. Today, my fears of even wearing a swimsuit have turned to how I’d squeeze myself into one. Panty hose is another story, but I won’t go there.
Today, young people are confronted with so much more. They’re exposed to violent behavior, not only through video games, but actual crime in the streets and thoughts of having their schools invaded by terrorists. Bullying has become so much more vicious with the advent of the internet and social media. Hatred, division, anger and so many negatives are thrown at them in conversation, in reactions of their parents, from their peers and from the world – because the world is literally at their fingertips.
On my grandparent’s farm, the radio would blast with good old country or gospel music. Grandma would sing as the dog chimed in with his howls. There wasn’t much news in a farm community. I used to think the farm report was really boring, but oh how I long to hear boring news again. Confusion reigns in these young minds. It’s more important than ever that kids be exposed to the truth of God’s Word to equip them during these difficult times of growing up.
Dear, God, as our young people return to schools across our land, give them the enthusiasm and excitement to enter this adventure in spite of the possible dangers. Help them absorb the knowledge necessary to make changes to their future. Also look over their teachers, giving them courage to face the school year with confidence. Be their constant companion, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
atimetoshare.me 
My grandchildren have been in school for a few weeks now. The schools do not start around here until after Labor Day. But I have not been by WalMart lately. I carried by books. I had a briefcase in college. You know, grown up. But then my calculus book was so big, nothing else would fit. And in most places, WalMart has guides for the local schools these days. Based on grade level and school, they give you a shopping list. My wife and I used to guess based off last year – guess wrong – and shop twice.
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I hear you. We carried our books too. Maybe that’s why my arms are so long. Walmart starts putting stuff out in July. school here doesn’t start until after Labor Day.
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I LOVE your memories, words, and wisdom! Amen! I giggled through part of this. But my heart and soul nodded. I’m sad about what our kids have to face today, Mama K! I didn’t have the childhood you had–but yet, in ways, I’m blessed that I did smell homemade bread, got to be outside without fear of getting shot, and we went to church, had family meals, and listened to great music. Life in the 70’s was fun! I love you so much. What a beautiful post and prayer! Amen!
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You are so right, Kathy–kids today face so much more pressure than we did. My oldest granddaughter, in high school must carry ALL her stuff with her ALL day–books, supplies, lunch, musical instrument, coat, and anything else. An impossible load!! The reason? The administration decided that was the best (easiest for them?!) way to deal with the drugs kids were keeping in their lockers. Oh–and they can’t use rolling backpacks because they clog the hallways when classes change. Most families purchase two sets of books to have one at home and one at school. That helps. I guess the teachers store the school sets in their classrooms? I don’t know. Our middle granddaughter struggles with what other kids are allowed to do (go on TikTok for example) and what she is not. Though she understands her parents’ concerns, it’s still hard when you don’t “fit in.” / So appreciated your prayer at the end of this post, Kathy!
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Thank you Nancy. We were all placed on this planet at a specific purpose at a time when Gods needs us to do something for him. Every generation has their problems. I can’t imagine what our children will be faced with in the next century. Thankfully we will fulfill Gods plan for us and we will reap the benefits of his amazing grace. Prayer is our only hope.
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Kathy, your journey into the past takes me back to my own childhood in Billings, Montana. Living across the street from the newly built elementary school meant never worrying about being late to arrive. My mother had my lunch ready when I returned home. I join you in praying for families, teachers, and students. Two of my daughters are public school educators, and we still have five grandchildren in school with the final two waiting for their chance.
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Days seem to go so quickly don’t they. We pass the torch when we can, but always season it with our loving God, so future generations can enjoy the taste.
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Thank you Kathy for sharing more. Indeed, our Father offers just the right amount of seasoning from His grace. I
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