The children of Good Shepherd brought their backpacks to church this week. During the service they were invited to the front of the sanctuary to receive a blessing for the start of the new school year. Boys and girls filled the space in front of the pews and into the center aisle, and adults who work in the schools bookended the group.
“Are you excited about the start of school?” the priest asked the assembled students. After a lackluster response he smiled and said, “Let’s try this again.” With heightened energy he repeated the question, and received a rousing “Yes!” balanced with an equally emphatic “No!” from a couple of voices.
The priest reminded them that it’s as important to ask the right question as it is to give the right answer. I felt grateful that such uncommon and important wisdom was offered not only to them but to the entire congregation. He said a prayer, dipped a branch of greenery into a bowl, and flung sprinkles of holy water over the gathering he blessed the backpacks, the children, and the school year about to begin and the learning they will do.
I can still see one girl, about eight years old, standing square-shouldered in her sundress, curly blond hair in a short ponytail above the pink flowered pack on her back. She stood at rapt attention, receiving the entire ritual with dignity and reverence.
The priest asked the children to turn around and see all the people in the congregation who were praying for them as they start the school year, which made some of their eyes grow wide. Their response was a reminder to me of the power of such a gathering, and the energy of shared and fervent prayer offered in a sacred space.
May that prayer multiply and enfold all children as this school year begins:
May each child feel welcomed in their classroom.
May their teachers be centered in the value of their calling, and upheld by their community.
May each child feel loved.
May they make new friends.
May they learn patience with themselves when the lessons are difficult, and celebrate when the lessons are learned.
May they help one another and learn from one another.
May they be safe.
May they be healthy.
May their creativity be encouraged.
May their curiosity be affirmed.
May they delight in the joy of learning.
May they have the support they need.
May they be known and recognized for the unique and beautiful person they are.
And may all of us surround and enfold teachers, students, and schools with our love and care.