Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – (Psalm 31:24, NIV)
Be strong and brave, all of you who are waiting for the Lord’s help. – (Psalm 31:24, ERV)
Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon. – (Psalm 31:24, MSG)
Today is to be the first day of school with kids. Hope is the very thing that brings excitement at the onset of a new school year. There is great hope for new learning, growth, and good things that are to come as we navigate the new. This year, we are in a new building that is to be our temporary home for the next year and a half while the old school is rebuilt and made new. Our district always has buzz words that appear over and over again as a sort of theme for the new year in all of our pre-school year trainings. Interestingly, this year, the word they chose is hope. Though I am quite certain that the intent is not in the biblical sense, those of us who believe appreciate the word being selected, for it is hope that keeps us in education and returning to school each day. The dictionary defines hope as: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. Biblically, hope goes far beyond a feeling. It is a knowing in our heart of hearts that no matter what we see or know in the here and now, ultimately, all will be so much better than we could hope or imagine. As I prepare for a few hours from now when the students arrive, I pray that each child that enters my classroom will be filled with hope as they begin the new year. The first several classes of my day are sixth graders, so they have much new to anticipate. May every heart recognize the opportunity to utilize the fresh start and allow themselves to set goals and work toward them.
Ever before us,
are all things made new;
each day a fresh start,
we choose what to do.
Classrooms are prepared,
to welcome new in;
lessons are ready,
as the day begins.
May hope be what’s felt,
as students arrive;
endless potential,
Lord, help each to thrive.
Lead us and guide us,
with goodness and grace;
may each child feel known,
throughout each school day.
Help all to connect,
to know they belong;
let kindness surround,
and courage make strong.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You grant us strength and courage to begin each day new, and You fill our hearts with hope that keeps us moving forward in the direction we are meant to go. Forgive us for our anxious thoughts, as we need to allow hope to rise and fear to be silenced. Teach us to seek You for strength and grace, and lead us in love to walk in Your ways. Show us how to meet each student where they are at, and to care for them well. May all who enter the building feel new hope. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, our true hope forever. Be glorified O God, as we trust You and praise You for the hope we know in You as we navigate each new day. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even was we put our hope in You. – Psalm 33:22
Revelations In Writing 