It’s that time of year. If your social media feeds are like mine, they are full of photos of kids heading back to school. From little ones holding chalkboards proclaiming their very first day of school, to the nervous smiles of college freshmen crammed in the only space left in the family minivan, students everywhere are preparing for another year. For many, it’s been over a year since they’ve been in a classroom, having opted for virtual learning during what we hope was the worst of the pandemic.
The back to school season is a time when we offer advice and assurances to the students in our lives. As little ones jump out of the car in the drop-off lane, we exclaim one last reminder to “use your words” or “share.” Older students get help gathering homework, instruments, and sports equipment as they dash out the door for the bus or carpool, with a shouted “Have a great day!” Tearful parents steal one last hug in the dormitory doorway, whispering “get enough sleep,” “eat a vegetable once in a while,” or “you’ve got this.”
For as long as my daughter has had her driver’s license, I’ve always told her “love you” and “drive safely” when she heads out to work or a friend’s house. Sometimes it was met with an eye roll or a snort of scorn. Often, she replied with a laugh “I was going to drive recklessly, but since you asked, I won’t.” I finally told her one day that I trust her driving, it’s really just a way to say “I love you” again. Isn’t that really what all those words of advice and encouragement are? They’re just another way to give our beloved kiddos a way to remember how much we love them.
As a community of faith, we don’t just share these words of affirmation and encouragement with the youngsters in our immediate family. At each baptism, we welcome the newly baptized into the body of Christ, as a fellow family member. It is so gratifying to see all the ways our community supports the children and youth who come through our doors. There are so many folks who share their talents and time to keep our youth programs running: Sunday School teachers, junior high retreat chaperones, Advent craft coordinators, Christmas pageant supervisors, and so many more. Just as important as the many folks who fill formal roles are the many who offer informal support: taking the time between services to share a smile and listen with interest to the latest happenings in a young person’s life. Our building is home to a preschool, tutoring opportunities, and many scout troops. It’s just another way to let kids know that they are important to us; they are important to God.
Ultimately, we all want to know we are worthy, we matter, we are enough. Yes, we all matter, because we are all God’s children, “children of the same heavenly Father, and fellow workers in the kingdom of God.” God calls each of us by name, equips us for the journey, and sends us out.
Working beside you,
Cara