Our baby is a senior! That’s right, mine and Tim’s 6’2” youngest child will be graduating high school this year. Empty nest season is almost here!
Before bedtime last night, I sat next to Cole, put my hand on his shoulder and led a prayer for the year ahead. When I awakened this morning, prayers continued for Cole. Yet, not just Cole, but for students, parents, and teachers as well.
I’d like to share some verses with you to turn into a prayer. These don’t only apply to students and teachers, but to us all.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, Colossians 3:23 NASB
Lord, I want to serve you and you alone. When I do I know others will take notice. My attitude will be more determined, work ethics admirable, and countenance more joyful…all because I am working for You and not man. Please help me to do my best in all that I do, and to bring glory to You. Amen.
Y’all, when you do do everything for the Lord and not self or others, from the most mundane to the greatest of tasks, you will discover that you will have more joy in your life. So true! I can testify to that.
“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 ERV
Dear Jesus, help me to shine bright for You. In a world where it seems we are often put under a microscope and examined by the piercing eyes of others, may they see You in me. Amen.
This world can be dark and downright depressing at times, but when you remember that if you are a child of God and He is in you, ahhhh that should make you smile, give you a pep in your step, and give you a jolt of energy to want to live for Him. He is the greatest! He thinks you are the greatest! Shine bright for Jesus.
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. Psalm 119:14-16
Lord, I need you to Follow the rules in school and life, do my best with my studies, give thought to the choices I make, enjoy learning, life, and Your ways, and to never forget Your word and that You are always with me. Amen.
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.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Oh dear Jesus, there are and will be times when people are just mean and rude to each other. Please help me to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to others just like You forgave me. May they see You in me, Lord. Amen.
When I was teaching middle school, dealing with bullying/rudeness/meanness was a daily occurrence. My heart aches thinking about how people (and I’m not just talking about students) treat one another. Please remember to treat others the way you want to be treated. Often you will need to take a breath and put on your God goggles. See others the way God sees them, look for the good in others, and be a godly example. People have “stuff” going on in their lives that we have no clue about. Be kind.
Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. Hearing God’s teaching and doing nothing is like looking at your face in the mirror and doing nothing about what you saw. You go away and immediately forget how bad you looked. 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.
Kids, have a blast! I absolutely want you to focus in school and be respectful, just enjoy each moment. 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.
Well, Cole has now left for school. This is the last of these first day of schools for the Shuff crew. Whew! Mixed emotions, yet so full of pride in our kiddos. I pray that Cole will be a light for God as he casually struts into his senior year.
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
Cole’s high school years. We were still in our old home in the 9th grade. He almost was too tall for the senior pic. LOL.
