Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, the first day of school has arrived. But where has the summer gone? We surely didn’t get everything done that we had planned to do this summer … not yet, anyway. Then once in school, how can we put our minds to the task of studying when it is such lovely weather just outside the walls? But school is school, so we need to be brave and face some challenges and have some good times, too.

School can be exciting but also a little scary. Oh! The building is so big! Now where’s room 104? And look at all these kids, big and little ones! We certainly all come in different sizes, shapes and colors — how cool is that! This ought to be one exciting school year. As a new student, we might think: “Help! I don’t know anyone — not yet. Oh Lord, I need a friend. Please help me, Lord.”

As teachers, we watch the children enter. Several are so shy, they just murmur a greeting. Then more children enter and the shyest one finds a friend. As a teacher, that is a precious sight to see. The two kids who found each other are so delighted to see each other once again. Lord, thank You for sending a friend to the shy one.

  As teachers, we also notice how some sit up tall, straight and proud; they’re eager to learn, while some sit lopsided and uncaring; they are almost rebellious. It makes one wonder how many left their home this morning with a full tummy, a hug, a kiss, the warm feeling of love, even with a word of encouragement? That is most important, Lord. Be with each little one, no matter their age, encourage each teacher this school year. Thank You, Lord, for school lunchrooms to feed “kids” and for loving each one of us.

Love, Mara