For This New School Year

By: Joanne Viola

School days will be shortly upon us here in New England. In other parts of the country, many have already returned.

My thoughts turned to a car conversation a few years ago and the topic was "best friends". It weighed heavy on a little girl's heart that day.

For any school aged girl, the idea of having a best friend is of the utmost importance. The problem was beginning to rear its ugly head and it became clear – there was more to this that just having a friend. The label of "best friend" pins worth and acceptance and desirability on our young souls.

As a mom, I was constantly praying for wisdom for myself:

• wisdom in handling a colicky baby
• wisdom in getting them to develop good sleep habits
• wisdom in the preschools selected
• wisdom in selecting doctors and dentists for them
• wisdom in the choices of after school activities
• wisdom in sorting out college

and the list goes on and on. The Book of James brought the reminder often:

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5, NLT)

And trust me - ask, I did. Often. Daily. Sometimes moment by moment.

In remembering the car conversation, I am reminded of our need to pray and ask God to give wisdom to our children, and grandchildren as well.

Wisdom In Friendships

May they learn to choose friends who will have a lasting and positive affect on them. “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble” (Proverbs 13:20, NLT).

Wisdom In Their Conversations

May their speech be gracious, kind, and moral. Not crass or crude. May our children understand the power of their words, on their own lives and in the lives of others. “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (Proverbs 18:21, NLT).

Wisdom In Situations

We cannot always be there for our children and grandchildren to guide them in situations. May they come to know how to navigate and make wise decisions choices about the things they do and watch. May they come to know what is inappropriate, choosing to walk away.

“In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it – thou art a fool.” (Lord Chesterfield)

May we ask for wisdom both for ourselves and our children, each and every day.

~*~*~

Prayer: Father, I am so grateful on any given day when the need for more wisdom arises, all we need to do is ask. Thank you for filling us with wisdom beyond our own ability. As parents, we would ask for You to fill our children and grandchildren with wisdom as they navigate their friendships, conversations, and situations so that they would grow in Your ways. Keep them on the paths of Your ways so their lives bring You glory and honor. For it is in Your Name we ask, Amen.


Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash