first day of school | My Everyday God

Ready for the first day of school!

Today, I walked both my babies into school. They hung up their backpacks and found their seats, after they excitedly greeted their friends. I managed to grab a hug and kiss from each before leaving them to this new adventure.

Though I am not physically with them this morning, they are still with me.

Whenever he enters the sanctuary, Aaron is to carry the names of Israel’s sons over his heart on the breastpiece for decisions, as a continual reminder before the Lord. Place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece for decisions, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the Lord. Aaron will continually carry the means of decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.

– ‭Exodus‬ ‭28‬:‭29-30

As Aaron the Priest came before the Lord for the Israelites, he continually carried the people over his heart. He always had that reminder with him as He entered God’s presence. He had the privilege to intercede and cry out to God for his people. I have a similar responsibility and honor–to bring my family, my children, continually before the Lord.

A mother’s heart is for her children, just as God’s heart is for His. So, today, I carry my children before the Lord, into His throne room. They are even more precious to my Savior than they are to me, and I will rest in His care and His plan for each one.

This school year, I want to be ever mindful of who I carry on my heart when I come before the Lord. May God guide my children and draw them ever closer to His side.

After his first morning of preschool, Jackson sits on a bench outside the elementary school to show me the ocean he made.

There is nothing like first days to drive you to your knees.

Jackson began preschool today, and like most moms I think I was just as nervous as him. It is a wonderful and aching feeling to watch your child grow up. As we prayed together in the car before going into the school, hearing my son talk to his Heavenly Father was so precious. He walked bravely through the halls to his classroom, though I know he was a little scared, and marched right up to his teacher to inform her of a few things before he went off to play. Snapping a few photos of him wearing his new backpack felt so momentous.

I could tell I wasn’t the only mom who was definitely looking forward to seeing her baby, I mean preschooler, and hearing about their first day, as we all stood outside the school waiting to pick them up mid-day. The class came streaming out to open arms and hugs and kisses, as they all clamored to share their stories of the morning.

As we have been preparing for this day, I have found myself praying more and more fervently for my son as he enters this new world:

that God would guard his heart and keep it tender for what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.
that Jackson would be kind, friendly and polite to those around him.
that his friends would be positive influences in his life, and that God would protect those children and bring their moms and dads into a saving relationships with Him.
that God would strengthen and shower his teacher with wisdom, patience and grace.
that his teacher would help Jackson to learn and encourage his curiosity and creativity.
that Jackson would know, more than ever, that God is with him and loves him.

As the years pass, and first days of school come and go, I know my heart will echo these prayers again and again.