I was scrolling through Facebook this morning, reading posts in a group for frugal living that I belong to, as well as just random posts that show up from friends, and I began to notice several posts concerning kids starting back to school. Many friends were lamenting the early “back to school” ads just immediately after the Fourth of July while others in the “frugal” group were seeking advice as to how to make the “school supplies” budget stretch farther…
All of a sudden, tears came to my eyes and I began to be burdened for families with school age children. Our boys are grown, with children of their own. One son’s boys are still babies, while the other grandson (bless his heart) has been in “school” since he was six weeks old! (His mother is a teacher at a private Christian school, so he’s “always” gone to school. 🙂 )
But I know of many situations where families are struggling… In one instance, the mother has found herself suddenly divorced with two school age children. She can only afford to send one of them to Christian school now, and the older little girl must suddenly (as a freshman and for the first time in her life) go to a huge public school. Bless her heart; I can only imagine the fear.
In other cases, grandparents are raising grandchildren and those school lists are so long, and so expensive. And then there are the single parents… O God, my heart breaks for them. And, often forgotten are the teachers… I have many (many) friends who are school teachers, and I know from watching them the amount they spend on school supplies (taking care of those kids whose parents don’t or can’t or won’t buy what the children need).
And so, I pray for them today…
O Father… my heart is so burdened this morning. I feel the despair in the tone of the words I’ve read. I hear fear and hopelessness, too. This is just one more thing in a long line of things that causes sinking despair. What is the answer, Lord? When the list of “requirements” is so much longer than the budget stretches? What is the answer to this very real struggle that is faced by so many every. single. day…?
“Trust” I hear in my spirit. “Trust and Obey”. Will that put dollars in the bank account my “inner man” asks. “Not necessarily, but it puts peace in the heart” I hear You reply. One day at a time is all we can live, for tomorrow is not promised. Yes, we must prepare for the future; we must be good stewards, but we must not fear it or be obsessed by it.
I was reminded by our younger son recently, when he said, “My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and so I am not afraid. He will provide for us because He loves us, and we love Him…” What trust. I am so thankful for his faith, Father. Thank You – that encourages this mother’s heart.
But now Father, I pray for those with struggles. I pray that they, first of all, seek You as Savior. I pray that their hearts will be turned to You for salvation. And then I pray that they will turn to You for peace for You will surely provide. How? I don’t know. In each situation it is different – but You promised that you would care for Your children. And we have seen that in our own lives. I lift those to You who are in despair today. Speak to their spirits and draw them to Yourself.
I pray for this upcoming school year. I pray for the children who are afraid, (and in some respect, they all are) but it is a new year; a clean slate. May it be a good year for them. I pray for teachers and administrators and school staff – and for every single person who touches a child’s life this coming year. You have such a special heart for the children, Lord. May we have that heart, as well.
Thank You Father. We praise you, in Jesus’ Name – Amen.
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