Where Has the Summer Gone?
It feels like we were just celebrating the start of summer—church picnic, family trips, VBS decorations, cookouts, and long evenings of sunshine. And yet, here we are, already turning the page toward a new school year. The backpacks are coming out of closets, class lists are posted, and families are gearing up for the early morning routines once again.
As a church family, this transition affects all of us (even in the chaos of shared facilities).
- Some among us are preparing classrooms, curriculum, and new lesson plans.
- Others are buying more new shoes and already packing lunchboxes.
- Some are heading off to college, beginning new chapters of independence, growth, and faith-testing.
And for many—parents, teachers, administrators, and students alike—it’s a season of mixed emotions: excitement, pressure, anticipation, and sometimes even fear.
So how do we prepare our hearts for this season?
We start by remembering Who goes before us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 139:5).
Whether your child or your friend is stepping into a kindergarten classroom or onto a college campus,
God is already there.
He promises to give wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5), peace to those who are anxious (Philippians 4:6–7), and strength to those who feel weak (Isaiah 40:29–31).
Let’s also be intentional to pray.
Here are a few specific ways we can lift up our church and community:
- Pray for students to walk in integrity, grow in knowledge, and be a light for Christ wherever they go.
- Pray for parents navigating decisions, schedules, and the constant pull for their children’s hearts.
- Pray for teachers and administration who carry the weight of instruction, classroom culture, and often unspoken burdens.
- Pray for our college students stepping into a world of new freedoms, influences, and opportunities—for wisdom, purity, and bold faith.
How can we encourage those in our sphere of influence?
God has strategically placed each of us in circles where we can speak life and truth.
That new teacher you know? Send a note or a coffee gift card with a reminder: “You’re not alone.”
That college freshman from our church? Check in after the first week.
A few words can make a big impact.
Even small acts matter:
- Offer to babysit so a teacher-parent can prep in peace.
- Drop off a treat in the school office/teachers’ lounge with a Scripture verse.
- Ask a student how you can specifically pray for them this semester.
Let’s prepare our minds, pray continually, and encourage generously as we walk into this new school year—together, as the body of Christ.
God isn’t just watching over this school year—He’s in it.
We can move forward with confidence, grace, and eyes wide open to how we can be a blessing in the days ahead.
Be looking for ways to connect specifically with the teachers, students, and families of Friendship Christian School this school year through Parents of Friendship, prayer mornings, and on social media.