Back to School

Each year, when summer comes and school lets out, it makes me reflect on my childhood summers. You know…those summers that seemed to last forever? I think about all the wonderful days I experienced growing up. We all had so much fun.

Forced to be outsiders, we actually got exercise by running around playing tag, kickball, or roller skating. We circled the neighborhood subdivision on our bikes until dark and the bugs hit our teeth, or Mom rang the bell to come home. Our parents never worried about us.

Because a high level of trust in one’s neighbor existed, the family car, left in the driveway or on the street at night, appeared exactly the same when the sun came up. And having a lemonade stand at the end of the street existed without the risk of its budding entrepreneurs being abducted.

Time to go back to school

Then, summer ended. Time to go back to school. I remember looking forward to it. Even though I didn’t want summer to end. I longed to see all the friends I hadn’t seen over the summer. We walked to the bus stop without the threat of some strange man asking us to help him look for his lost puppy.

Times were truly different then. That was the early ’50s. I don’t know if parents prayed that much for their children then as they went to school as we do today.

As I began to write this, it is the first day of school for my granddaughters. Both are apprehensive. One is starting high school. The other is starting first grade.

One has been bullied in the past. She was homeschooled for a while. The other one has been told by her half sister (one year older) that first grade is hard.

These two, among many other children in this country, may face trials beyond their years of experience. Kids are forced to grow up so fast these days. And experience things never meant for a child to even hear about.

This year, more than ever, I have found myself sending up additional prayers. This world is turning, turning into a place I don’t recognize. And a place I’m beginning not to like. Too many unsavory people with unscrupulous ideas.

But I trust in the Lord

But I trust the Lord. I trust Him to be in control. I trust Him with the lives of my husband, my children, my grandchildren, and the others I love. And everyone in this country.

David said, “I trust in the Lord for protection…I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Ps. 11:1, Ps 56:11 NLT)

I MUST trust Him. Otherwise, I will be on shaky ground, worrying and fretting. And Scripture tells me not to, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Phil. 4:6 NLT)

We’ll see how the day went when they get home.