Pause for Prayer

By Karen Schoeppach

Everywhere I look as I walk through stores these days, I see signs saying, “Back to School!” and row upon row of school supplies. Although I was never able to put my degree to use as an elementary school teacher, I find myself gravitating to spiral notebooks, folders, binders, pens, pencils, and so many other items when the new school year approaches. When I was in school, my sisters and I would get very excited when the Penney’s and Sear’s Fall Catalogs would arrive. We would pour over the dresses, skirts, and blouses (because in the old days, no pants or jeans were allowed for girls). Even if we weren’t able to order anything from the catalogs, we could dream. We would always get a new pair of “school shoes” and “gym shoes”. Last year’s pairs had become everyday shoes if we hadn’t outgrown them. We would get to choose a new bookbag. No backpacks back in those days. Today, I’m not sure students anticipate the beginning of the new school year in quite the same way. The world is such a different place and school is no longer the safe place it was when I was young.

Dear God, we place the lives of students, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel in Your hands. Give them strength, peace, and hope as they begin the new school year. Surround them with Your love and protection. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.