Back to School
By Colleen Swindoll Thompson
It’s back-to-school time! I’m guessing some parents (including me) are delighted, and most kids are disappointed. Kids tend to ask lots of questions before school begins: “Will I be riding the bus?” “Who is my teacher?” “Are the kids nice?” “Do I wear regular clothes or a uniform?” But kids don’t ask questions just about school. I recently came across some very funny questions and comments from kids about God.
Here are a few:
- Dear God: In Sunday school they told us what You do. Who does it when You are on vacation? —Jane
- Dear God: Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. —Joyce
- Dear God: My brother is a rat. You should give him a tail. Ha ha. —Danny
- Dear God: I bet it is very hard for You to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only four people in our family, and I can never do it. —Nan
- Dear God: We read that Thomas Edison made light. But in Sunday school they said You did it. So I bet he stole your idea. —Donna
Today, going to school is more complicated than it used to be—more bullying, disrespectfulness, anger, emotional problems, blame, and excuses. For the students with disabilities, school is often an unprotected and painful place.
Because my son is a student with noticeable disabilities, I ask the Lord many questions. My questions include:
- Lord, I’m terrified he will be bullied again. Will you calm my spirit and protect my son?
- Lord, will you bring aid to help him when he cannot do things on his own?
- Lord, will you please give him strength when he is exhausted?
- Lord, he doesn’t have friends; I grieve when I see him alone on the playground. Will you bring him a friend?
Maybe you have questions too. You can call on our Savior for help. He has not forgotten you. He is leading you, so walk by faith no matter how difficult it is. When your faith falters, He understands. We ask Him to guide us through our unbelief. I promise you, He answers every time. Meditate on the following verses of Scripture:
“The steadfast mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1–2)If I should say, “My foot has slipped,”
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up.
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul. (94:18–19)
About the author
Colleen Swindoll Thompson
Colleen Swindoll Thompson holds a bachelor of arts degree in Communication from Trinity International University as well as minors in psychology and education. Colleen serves as the director of Reframing Ministries at Insight for Living Ministries. From the personal challenges of raising a child with disabilities (her son Jonathan), Colleen offers help, hope, and a good dose of humor through speaking, writing, and counseling those affected by disability. Colleen and her husband, Toban, have five children and reside in Frisco, Texas.
