[Please join me in praying for children, families, and our future on Thursdays this year.]
“Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 AMP)
“Education is never neutral.” – Heidi St. John
Several years ago I heard this quote and was astounded by the wisdom and truth in it. Our words, our actions, our friendships, our interactions, our curriculum – and all parts of our children’s education – are never neutral. What we use (or allow) to feed our children’s minds, souls, and spirits matters. The curriculum and activities we are choosing for the next school year matter. The adults and other kids who speak into our kids’ lives matter. How we interact with our kids matters.
As we prepare for the new school year, may we choose wisely the things that teach our worldview, that allow our children to interact with other worldviews with grace and understanding, and that overall help all of us to learn, grow, and be better people.
God,
We exalt you, our King, praising and extolling your name forever and ever. Great are you, Lord, and your greatness no one can fathom. You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich and abounding in love. We thank you that you have a special place in your heart for the children of this world, and you want nothing to impede them coming to you. As administrators, teachers, homeschool parents, coaches, club leaders, and others prepare for the next school year, may their decisions reflect your wisdom and calling for these children. May each piece of their education commend your works to the next generations. May the many parts of their educations speak of your mighty acts, the glorious splendor of your majesty, your wonderful and awesome works, and proclaim your great deeds. May the education they receive – in all places and at all levels – celebrate your abundant goodness, grace, and righteousness, even as it helps these young people to grow closer to you. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon these decision makers so these children’s educations reflect your glory and their lives are lived in close relationship with you. We ask in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
“CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
If children live with criticism, They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame, They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance, They learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement, They learn confidence.
If children live with praise, They learn to appreciate.
If children live with fairness, They learn justice.
If children live with security, They learn to have faith.
If children live with approval, They learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance and friendship, They learn to find love in the world.”
-by Dorothy Law Nolte
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’” (Luke 18:15-17 NIV)
“I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They tell of the power of your awesome works—
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145:1-8 NIV)