Tomorrow is the first day of school. For some students, it is the first day in a new school, the first day of school ever, the first day of day care, the first day as a teacher, maybe even the first day on a new job within a new school district. Many parents and children dread the first day of school with jitters about separation from each other or the fear of the unknown.
Children are nervous about being away from their parents, in new surroundings, having to make new friends, and being around many new people, including teachers and other children, many of whom are also uneasy about their new school.
When I first began teaching in the 80s, our counselor, Mr. D, would stand outside on the sidewalk every day and greet the students. That was over 35 years ago, and my former students still reminisce about how Mr. D would be there waiting for them.
Three years ago, I decided to gather old teachers and community members to open car doors for students at the elementary school. We had the best time, and several parents told us later how much they appreciated us welcoming them. It was such a success that we now open car doors at the middle school, junior high, and high school.
By opening the door and saying good morning, have a great day, you are setting the tone for the rest of the school day. And you are never too old or too young for a good morning. Have a great day.
Greeting students warmly on the first day of school is crucial for establishing a positive environment, and it fosters a sense of belonging. It helps set a positive tone for the entire school year. It not only helps the students but also calms the nerves of the parents.
We all have those first days. The first days can bring anxiety, worry, fear, and even sadness. So with that being said, take today and tomorrow to pray for all the students going to school, pray for all the parents dropping off their kids, pray for the teachers- all school staff, pray that they greet every child with a hello, glad you are here.
I have been rewatching The Chosen because our church is getting ready to begin season 4. I wanted to revisit seasons 1-3. The very first episode begins with Mary Magdalene. She is scared. She goes to her father, who says to her, “what are we to do when we are afraid? ” She says, we say the words from the prophet Isaiah.
If you have children or grandchildren, remind them of the words of Isaiah. Isaiah 43:1-4 the message:
43 1-4 But now, God’s Message,
the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
We all have many firsts in our lives. We, even as adults, are nervous at times, so think about how a small child feels when they are walking into a new situation. So pray. Pray for those children as they are walking into new surroundings with new people. Pray for the teachers who are opening the doors for many different personalities. Pray that all that come in contact with students tomorrow welcome them with smiles, joy, and love.
To be covered with JOY this week remember-
1.Show up for JESUS – Start your day in the Word.
2. Show up for OTHERS – Serve others, whether they are like you or not, whether they annoy you or are difficult to understand. That is what Jesus did; He showed up for everyone.
3. Show up for YOU – You need to fill your cup before you can help fill others’ cups.
WE WILL FIND JOY WHEN WE SHOW UP FOR JESUS, OTHERS, AND OURSELVES.
As Father Mike says, “You pray for me, and I will pray for you.”
Have a great week, Cupcake loves you.
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