Motherhood: Preparing Our Hearts for a New School Year
Back to school preparation can seem to come quickly. It feels like summer just started and now it’s time to print out the supply list and stock up on pencils and notebooks. As moms we spend considerable time in researching and planning all the things…backpacks, lunchboxes, safe food storage, school clothes and shoes, signing up for activities and lessons, arranging car pools, and meal planning.
In the midst of all of the practical preparing, I hope to inspire you to consider also preparing your heart for a new school year. New beginnings are a great time to create some space to pray and think intentionally about your relationship with your children, their spiritual growth, and ways to tend the soil of their heart.
Education is so much more than academics, and childhood is so much more than school and activities. The days, weeks, and years go by, and we can wonder how they went from kindergarten to middle school in what feels like overnight.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17
Taking time at the beginning of each school year (or new calendar year, or actually any time) to pray and plan for intentional rest, connection, and nurturing will help you to cultivate meaningful relationships.
Questions to Ponder and Pray Over for Each Child
Thank God for your child. Reflect on the gift of this unique person God brought to your family. How do you feel about your child? Are you carrying any bitterness or criticism? How can you choose to practice unconditional love more?
What are some areas of struggle for your child?
What are some areas of growth you’ve seen?
Are you investing in your relationship with your child to deepen it? Think about some ideas for focused one on one time with your child this year: places they like to eat, walks/time in nature, home projects to do together (hands on art for their room or desk, planting herbs, flowers, or a tree together), and books you can read aloud together.
Are you taking the time to train them in faith, habits, wisdom, convictions, and leadership? Think about ways to cultivate their spiritual life and growth (journaling, devotions, Bible study, opportunities to serve others, weekly tea time to discuss questions they have and what they are learning.)
Consider their personality, learning style, and preferences. Pray for friendships, mentors, and specific character development areas.
“We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.“ Colossians 1:9-12
Write each child’s name and specific areas that God has put on your heart for that child on the printable card below. Spend some time praying for each of your children, asking God for wisdom, clarity, and renewed vision and strength for your relationship with your child and your child’s relationship with God. Keep the card in a place where you will see it frequently and be reminded to pray for your children.
“Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children.” Lamentations 2:19
If you want to read more about intentional motherhood, here are some of my favorite books to get you started.
