First Day of the First Grade

Rylee just left for school. She starts 1st grade today!
I'm excited for her school year. She's been reading a lot this summer and is ready to dive into another year of learning and growing. She will have both 1st grade teachers this year since they team teach. I think it will be great for Rylee to have a teacher who focuses on math/science and then one who specializes in reading/social studies. I look forward to seeing her excel in both areas with the special attention.
Joel will be taking Rylee to school each day. This morning they left early so they could go have breakfast together. What an incredible treat! Joel is such an amazing dad and continually shows his kiddos his love in very tangible ways that I think they'll remember for years to come.

So, Jenna and I bid her a happy day as they departed. Asa's still sleeping!
Here's a prayer a friend sent that I thought would be neat to include for today:

A Mom's Prayer On the First Day of School

Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and their lunchboxes are full.

And I know you'll walk with them, Lord. You always do. But a mom still has to ask.

Will You walk with them? Will You whisper to them what they need to hear, when I'm not there to whisper it?

Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You can give?

Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn? Will You help them understand that hard work honors the One who created them?

Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity and more patience? Will You bless them for their efforts?

Will You love all those children there, the ones whose lunchboxes aren't full, the ones who feel alone? Will You teach my children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from them?

Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can?

Lord, I give them to You today and everyday, trusting them to Your care.

Amen.