School is now (for some) in session.  Today is the first day of Cole’s junior year of high school.  Woohoo!
I was so proud of Cole when we went to orientation the other day to meet his new teachers.  While we were walking to his new classes, Cole would peek his head in to acknowledge some of his former teachers.  A firm handshake was next or a nod of the head, as if to say “What’s up!”.  The teachers would call him by name then proceed in conversation. The teachers would notify me as to what a wonderful student and young man Cole had been.  That’s music to a parent’s ear.
Cole had made a favorable, respectful, and memorable impression on these teachers, due to the conversations I overheard.  And…those teachers must have made a memorable impression on Cole as well.
Allow me to intertwine this scene between Cole and his teachers, to the school year ahead, and to our walk with God.
Psalm 119:14-16 reads,

I enjoy following your rules as much as others enjoy great riches.  I will study your instructions.  I will give thought to your way of life.  I enjoy your laws.  I will not forget your word.  

Students, take a few words from these verses and apply them to your school life, as well as your spiritual life:  Follow the rules, study, give thought, enjoy, and don’t forget.  It really is that simple.  When you apply yourself to studying, obeying the rules presented in the school, give thought to others, yourself, and your future, and remember what you’ve been taught, these basics will make for a strong foundation to an enjoyable year.

Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. ²³ Hearing God’s teaching and doing nothing is like looking at your face in the mirror ²⁴ and doing nothing about what you saw. You go away and immediately forget how bad you looked. ²⁵ But when you look into God’s perfect law that sets people free, pay attention to it. If you do what it says, you will have God’s blessing. Never just listen to his teaching and forget what you heard. James 1:22-25

I pray that you students will be proactive in your studies.  Don’t just sit and listen and do nothing in class.  Listen, pay attention, and perform well in your school work.  Strive to achieve greatness…not just in school, but in life as well.
I pray that you teachers will also be proactive in your teaching.  Be fresh with your instruction.  Present the material in a delightful way.  You may have taught the same lesson many times before, but instruct each class with freshness, accuracy, and enthusiasm.  They will remember your instruction in a more positive and beneficial way.
Teachers, administrators, staff, students, coaches, and parents/caregivers, transportation providers, and any of us on the roads or with influence on school-aged children (I think that about covers everyone), I pray for respect for one another, selves, community, and our country.  When we have respect, discipline will follow.  When we have discipline, knowledge will ensue. When we have knowledge, wisdom is gained.  When we combine all these characteristics, an enjoyable year of great instruction and learning can transpire.  Praise the Lord we live in a country where we have the opportunity to attend school…whether our school is assigned, chosen, virtual, or you are homeschooled.
What type of impression will you leave this year on your teachers, students, and to others around you? Will it be favorable and respectful, like Cole left on his former teachers? I hope so.
Kids, have a blast!  I absolutely want you to focus in school and be respectful. Also get involved.  Participate in a club, sports, band or drama (whatever your interests are), serve others through community serve, be kind to one another, and enjoy what should be the best years of your life.  Make a positive and memorable impression on others.
Happy School Year to all!
Never stop learning!  Be a student of life by diving into God’s word.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie

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