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!
