How Can We Connect Our Kids to God Throughout the School Year?

Summer is quickly winding down, and it’s time to begin another school year. As a former classroom teacher, I’ve always found this time of year to be energizing and exciting, and as a mom and children’s director I’m always on the lookout for ways to connect Jesus to the excitement of what’s taking place around us. I recently came across these short devotions from the “happy home fairy” website that use school supplies to connect our kids with God—perfect timing for all the back to school shopping and backpack packing happing now. Use the following school supplies to talk about God and share His word with your children. *Pencils: show your child an unsharpened pencil. Ask them to write something with it. When they can’t, remind them that life without God would be a lot like this pencil—there would be no point. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, He gives our lives a purpose and a point. Our point is to love God and love others. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 *Glue: hold up one piece of paper and say it represents God. Hold up a second piece of paper and say it represents us. Say we want those pieces of paper to be held together forever—can it be done on their own? Nope. We need glue to put them together. Jesus is the “glue” that repaired our relationship with God so we could be together with Him forever. “Christ himself died for you. And that one death paid for your sins. He was not guilty, but he died for those who were guilty. He did this to bring you all to God.” 1 Peter 3:18*Crayons: what would happen if our crayons were all the same color? If we only had green, we wouldn’t be able to color a blue sky or ocean. If we only had blue, we wouldn’t be able to draw apples or strawberries. We need all colors to make beautiful pictures. In the same way, God created everyone to be unique, and together we make a beautiful picture. Each one of us have special gifts that we can use to help others. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10*Eraser: Everyone makes mistakes. Jesus alone can wipe away our sins and make us right with God. “So turn away from your sins. Turn to God. Then your sins will be wiped away. The time will come when the Lord will make everything new.” Acts 3:19I pray that this school year will be filled with learning and excitement. I pray that our children shine the light of Jesus in their classrooms. I pray their teachers have a heart of kindness and patience. I pray that our children find wisdom and confidence in God’s word to take on the challenges they face. I pray that parents boldly share their faith with their children. And I pray that as a church community we remember to lift up these children, families, and teachers in prayer each day.