It's that time of year again – back to school! It's in every store, aisles filled with fresh paper and colorful art supplies. Inspirational chalkboard quotes like "you are capable of more than you know" and "Never give up" catch my attention. I have tried to ignore it as the temperature was far more beach weather than school. And it doesn't feel like a typical school year but "back to school in a pandemic take two." My mind and soul have been heavy as I try to plan but question what will actually happen. The mom in me wants to plan with a permanent marker, but the realist says, "stick to the pencil as things are constantly changing." I lay awake at night worried over how this year will prepare my children for the future, do I have them in the right classes and extracurricular activities, and the list goes on and on! But then a friend sent me this:

"Take a deep Breath Mama…. He's got your babies. God loves your child more than you do. You need to get that. You may have given birth to them, but He gave life to them, He gave breath to them and He had a purpose for them. And there is not a pandemic big enough or a school year weird enough that can change His plan for them. Ignore the noise of the world. Listen to God. Rest in the hands that are holding your child. – and you too." (from unknown)

It hit me so hard that I was not trusting in my God, who gave my children life, breath, and purpose. Some days it is a struggle, as the world is so loud. So, I must purpose daily to have God be louder! Isaiah 54:10 says, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hill be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you." In mom terms, God is basically saying, "I've got this"! As I pencil in my schedule this year, I am writing on my heart in permanent marker – ignore the world, Listen to God, Rest in Him! Because He will never change.

I know that I am not alone in this battle of back to school. I would love to hear what you are writing with proverbial permanent markers on your hearts. And share this with other mamas, grandmothers, and caretakers as we all face another school year together.

Connect with me at jodie.anker@tbcnow.org