Didn’t school just let out for the summer? It sure feels like it to me. But, all our children are back in school now for a brand new school year. Back-To-School season usually carries with it a multitude of feelings. Excitement of reconnecting with friends. Anticipation of what your new teacher and classmates will be like. Nervousness of making new friends or maintaining old relationships. Whether your child communicates it to you or not, often the prospect of learning new concepts and growing in physical, mental, social and emotional realms are on their minds. How can we help our children vocalize them and proactively plan to deal with them?
At the last Parent’s Night Out, hosted by the Youth Ministry, Ron led our children in determining goals for the next school year. Each child created a vision board that highlighted what he or she wanted to achieve the coming school year. Most of the children in attendance were either rising preschoolers or kindergarteners. Some may think that at that age they don’t have many things that they want to achieve. The exact opposite is true. In fact, their concerns for academic attainments, health and fitness and relationships are just as real at that age as middle and high schoolers.
They did a wonderful job of depicting what they plan to achieve during this academic year! Then, many volunteered to share their goals with the rest of the group. As I think about this experience, I naturally begin to reflect upon the spiritual implications and the foundation we are laying for our children. In Habakkuk 2:2 it says “write the vision and make it plain”. Each child’s vision board is evidence of that act of faith.
Now that the vision/goal has been cast, it is time to put faith into action. For, Paul reminded us that “faith without works is dead”. I’m certain that many have started working on their goals, whether intentionally or not. Let’s support and encourage them. This can be done by first praying for them and each goal they have set- asking that God bless their endeavors, allowing Him to be glorified as a result.
This Sunday as you join us in our “Promotion Sunday” celebration, take a moment to ask a few children and youth what they would like to achieve this year. Then, during your private prayer time, ask God to bless these endeavors and to allow His will to be manifested in their lives.
Our children and youth are very special gifts that God has entrusted to us. As a church body, remember them in your prayers and speak encouraging words in love. Whether you realize it or not, small acts of kindness and expressions of caring can mean a lot!
So, again I challenge you- find a child this Sunday and find out what he or she is interested in achieving this year. Then, check-in with them every few weeks to see how it is going. You never know, that just might be the extra push a person needs to stick with it and press towards their goals!
dbchildrensministry 