Well, tomorrow is the big day.  When that bell rings at 8:15 tomorrow all three Scotts will be sitting in their seats waiting for some other teacher to begin their school day.

Me- well, for the first time is thirteen years I’ll be home with no students to teach and no lessons to begin.  I promise you- I’m thrilled for my kids, so don’t let my leaky eyes worry you.  We prayed about it, and God has confirmed in numerous ways that this is a good decision. It’s just that I loved being a homeschool mom. I loved the field trips, the flexible schedule, the time together.  I can’t even say what was the best part- maybe it was the times I saw one of my kids “get it,” or maybe it was cuddling on the couch to read.  Yes, it’s true- I put myself in timeout, I got behind, I sometimes felt inadequate for the job.  But it was all worth it when I had the chance to talk about friendship, and God, and integrity, and disappointment…you get the picture.   So even though I am excited for the kids, for the opportunities they are having, for the new experiences they will surely enjoy, I’m struggling a little tonight.

Oh, and that other big day will be here soon…the one when I leave my oldest at college. Mmm hmmm. If tears make you uncomfortable you might want to steer clear for the next little while.

So tonight, I’m praying for the teachers. Specifically by name, I’m praying for my kids’ teachers, but I’ll be praying for teacher moms and my teacher friends and all those brave men and women heading into the classrooms in the coming days.

Father in heaven, your name is holy.  You’ve seen the beginning of all new things, and you have sustained and strengthened your people throughout.  My prayer tonight is for the teachers- those who teach only one, and those who teach rooms full.  I pray they will daily feel the strength of your presence and the power of your wisdom.  I pray that your will would be done in each classroom, in each interpersonal encounter.  Give your servants each day what is needed for that day- patience, wisdom, perseverance, resourcefulness, and all the rest.  I pray that hurts would be quickly forgiven, that rifts would quickly be healed.  May each teacher look to you for direction each day; lead them in ways of truth and wisdom, far from the edge of temptation.  Deliver all from the designs of the evil one, for yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory for this day, this week, this school year, and forever.  #prayersformychildren #prayerfortheteachers