A New School Year Prayer
It's that time of year again.
Even before the first day (which for us is tomorrow), I'm thinking about students and teachers. I
find myself in my early morning walks going past the schools that my son
attended or attends (he started high school this week). As I do these
thoughts go through my mind and I send them out into the universe as a prayer.
Nursery
school/Pre-school: The beginnings of your education. A place of fun
and place of learning. I give thanks for the teachers who provide a safe
space for all the pre-k set and give them a sense of well-being. Who give
a firm foundation for our youngest so that they, even at this young age, become
prepared for what is next in life. Bless them. Bless their
students; past, present and future.
Elementary
school: Where your education took root. I think back on your first
day of kindergarten; that nervous face as you lined up to go to class and the
look of elation when you were dismissed that first day. I give thanks to
the teachers who nurtured you. Who recognized your strengths and worked
with you on weaknesses. With patience and practicality they served their
students. We will never forget them; and I'm betting they won't forget
you either. Bless them. Bless their students; past, present and
future.
Middle
school: Where your education sprouted upward, not unlike you. It
was the middle of drama; the middle of growth. Where you are no longer
children, but not yet adults. A time of transition can be a rocky road.
There was trauma and drama; frustration and joy; middle school was and is a
roller coaster ride. I give thanks to the teachers who belted you in for the
ride and kept your safe. Those amazing people who guided you. Who
knew that there was more than just one way and recognized that one size does
not fit all. Those who are wise and caring. Those who try new things
so that their students might benefit. Bless them. Bless their
students; past, present and future.
High
School: Where you will bloom. (I pray!) No longer a child;
this is where your adulthood begins to take hold and you make decisions that
reach into the long term. With teachers and staff to provide direction
and make suggestions, but ultimately letting you find your own way and
encourage you to be your own individual. It may be the end of your formal
education; or it may be part of a new beginning. Who knows? There
is no specific path that is right for all students; each will find their own
way and their own purpose. Here the educators become your mentors; gently
prompting to through the four years you will have together. Bless
them. Bless their students; pass, present and future.
Beyond:
Be it university, technical or vocational. Be it the workforce.
Your education never truly ends. There are teachers all around us.
People who offer us advice and education, but not in a classroom setting.
Never let your mind be closed; open it and let the wealth of their lessons fill
you. Bless those who teach us all. Bless those who would be their
students; no matter what shape or form they take.
As
this school year begins again, shouldn't we all keep every teacher and student
(in whatever form they might take) in our hearts? We've all taken this
journey and as long as we live, whether we realize it or not, we all continue
on.
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