Whether you are a parent who is putting your 5 year old on the bus for kindergarten for the first time, or you are like my husband and I, sending TWO away to college at the same time we all are probably a bit nervous, and already feeling the effects of loneliness, even if we still have other children at home. Maybe it’s just me.

If you are like us and you have been “train(ing) up a child in the way they should go…” then you already know that despite their greatest efforts, the Word says,…”and when they are old they will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6)”. Even having this knowledge we probably still have the apprehension that: What if they do…?, or What about peer pressure? What if they forget? Will they go to church?!? We have to know that the things that we have sown into our children has not fallen onto hard ground, but they are planted into fertile soil which will eventually manifest into good fruit. As parents we ought not be afraid to encourage our children, young or old, with the Word of God; I wanted to share a few scriptures that are on my heart:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Tim. 2:22

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Titus 2:6-8.

Most Important:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Well Dad, Mom, that’s about it. If they don’t have one, get them a pocket sized bible (no student wants to carry Grandma’s living room table sized bible to school lol), keep praying for them and let them go. If you think about it, we are really only caretakers for God anyway, everyone belongs to Him and His will shall be done in all of our lives. If it helps, try to remember the day that you left home; you were probably excited and anxious, a little scared and probably immediately homesick. Once you were gone for 3-4 days it was like, “home, huh?” All we have to do is let go and trust God. Isaiah 54:13 states, All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. I believe it, and I thank God for His peace for all parents during this back to school season. Have a blessed week!

A Pastor’s Wife.