Back to school, work and routine 

  
I was recently at a local retail park with my husband as he wanted a new pair of trainers.  We popped into Clarks the shoe shop and I had to smile to myself as I watched all the parents and carers taking their tickets and waiting their turn for the new school shoes experience… I said to my husband, “I don’t miss that!” as we chuckled at the bedlam in the shop.

There is something about the last week or two of the summer holidays…an almost frenzy of school uniform buying and getting ready to return to school, work, clubs, church groups, homework, meetings and meal-planning… some may welcome the return of structure. For others it can feel overwhelming and sad.

I loved the school holidays with my children and the return to the more mundane, early starts, homework and everything else did not fill me with joy.

As you are reading this, most of the children in England and Wales will be returning to school today, the children in Scotland will have already been back a couple of weeks.

For some young people and children it will be a day of excitement and anticipation as they start a new school, or a new year with a new teacher, for others they will have been dreading the return to school.  For parents a mixture of joy and relief I am sure, and for some of our parents they will be feeling sad as they send their little ones off for the first time.

So for all those returning to school and all the parents letting go, and all the teachers gearing up for the  sprint to half term… I am praying for you today.

The Bible reminds us that God is not only Lord of the mountaintop moments, the holidays, the retreats and the restful days. He is also Lord of packed lunches, lesson plans, deadlines, traffic, uniforms, spreadsheets, school gates, staff meetings and all the ordinary routines that shape our lives.

In Joshua Ch 1 v. 9  God spoke words of courage: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  When I was young it was a favourite Sunday school song, “Be Bold, Be Strong for the Lord your God is With you”

Children stepping into a new classroom do not go alone. Teachers preparing for a new term do not go alone. Parents adjusting to school runs and family rhythms do not go alone. Workers returning to desks, shops, appointments, ministries or responsibilities do not go alone. God is already present in the places we are about to re-enter.

Lets Pray:

Lord God, as we return to school, work and the routines of everyday life, help us to remember that You go with us. Give courage to those who feel anxious, wisdom to those making decisions, patience to those carrying heavy responsibilities, and joy in the ordinary tasks before us. May our homes, schools, workplaces and communities be places where Your love is seen in small and faithful ways. Amen.