back to schoolYesterday, our monthly poem focused on going back to school. Consider a few additional thoughts:

I was a public school kid and I know the horrors that happen in the hallways. I’m thankful that I was taught respect and was raised in a God-fearing home; that helped to ground me and keep a good head on my shoulders. It is terrifying letting Jack and Caleb out of my sight, and I know they are eventually going to be exposed to things that are very bad and dangerous. All I can do, as a father, is lead a God-fearing home and help them to understand the value of their soul and the importance of looking to eternity.

When they are older and in middle and high school, they will be tempted and they will give in from time to time (the Lord knows I sure did) but being in a strong church family means they are going to grow up with young people they worship with every Sunday and eventually those friends they have in Bible class will be their brothers and sisters in Christ. Together they will help each other to stay strong in the faith.

So I understand worrying. Just remember to cast your worries to the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) when they’re not with you, and to raise your children to be God-fearing young men and ladies when they are with you. You can’t control your children, but remember that your Lord doesn’t control you. We all have free will.

Aren’t you thankful that God gives us the Bible to help us know what is right and wrong? As parents we too must guide our children (following the Bible as our ultimate guide). Like us, they will stray from time to time, but like our Father in Heaven, all we can do is advise them, encourage them, rebuke them when they err, and forgive them when they repent.  It’s hard because, at some point, their future will be in their own hands, not ours. In the meantime our job as parents is to set them on the path and instruct them in the way of holiness.

Pray for children who are returning to school next week, and for the parents who are sending them off!