We recently spent a week visiting family in Texas, but it wasn’t just any week—it was the first week of August, with school starting on August 12th. Our son-in-law is the principal, and our daughter is returning to full-time teaching after spending a few years at home with their little ones. We had a front-row view of the commitment, excitement, and seemingly endless work that school staff pour into the days leading up to the first day of school. There was a zigzag of emotions—from overwhelming panic to ecstatic joy. It was humbling to see all that happens behind the scenes before students ever walk through the doors.
Parents were busy, too—purchasing school supplies and clothes, coordinating schedules, and keeping up with a steady stream of school communication. Parents are deeply invested and passionate about their children’s education. They know their children’s strengths and weaknesses, their joys and struggles. They want what is best for their children, knowing that God has entrusted these precious souls to their care.
When parents and teachers partner together to nurture and guide children, amazing things can happen, and children are richly blessed! But Satan knows this, too. He works hard to turn failures and shortcomings into points of contention. Miscommunication breeds frustration, and differing perspectives can undermine trust. Satan delights when a partnership intended to nurture and bless a child begins to erode.
When those relationships suffer, everyone suffers—especially the students whom everyone is seeking to love, teach, and encourage. We must recognize Satan’s schemes and approach one another with humility, patience, and grace, remembering that we share the same goal and are on the same team.
Our time in Texas included a tender moment that beautifully captured this partnership. A father quietly brought his daughter into the classroom and asked my daughter where she would sit. My daughter showed him the desk, and his daughter sat down. The father then told his daughter about the wonderful plan God had for her in that classroom, at that desk—and then he prayed over her.
Plant that image in your heart.
Meditate on the rich lessons it teaches us.
Parents and teachers are passionate partners in raising and educating children. Yet God himself is the one who knows and loves every child perfectly. What a privilege and responsibility to work together for their good, knowing that these children ultimately belong to the Savior who created them, loves them, and bought them with his blood.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You are the giver of every good gift. We pray that you bless our teachers and parents with a rich measure of peace, unity, and love. We praise you for the beautiful partnership between parents and teachers as they work together to lead, educate, and strengthen the children entrusted to their care.
Throughout this school year, guide us to put the best construction on one another’s words and actions and to receive them in the kindest possible way. Help us to communicate with grace, extend patience and understanding, and remain united in our shared purpose.
May our efforts bear abundant fruit in our school, our community, and our families, all to the glory of your name.
Amen.
Written by Naomi Schmidt
