Wendy Willard

Today I sent my first-born off to middle school and my baby girl off to third grade. For my oldest, I have just six more days like today – the first day of school – before she graduates. As I watched her question the size of her school bag and the details of her schedule, I felt the pages of the calendar slipping by. For the briefest of moments, I imagined her as she looked on the first day of Kindergarten, juxtaposed with the young woman she is growing into. The change is startling.

When your child starts pre-school, it feels like the whole world and all of time is before you. Older, wiser parents warn how quickly time flies, but as “baby parents” we have absolutely no idea just how true that old adage really is. Just like our kids, the whole “time flies” concept gets heavier and more complicated as the years pass.

As toddlers and elementary students, we lead our kids through thick and thin. In middle school, it feels a bit like we’re playing ring-around-the-rosy with them, going around in circles with each other. Although I’m not there yet, I imagine the rolls switch a bit in high school, as our kids start to take the pole position and we race to follow behind.

So on this day of firsts, I am praying for my children. I came across a special prayer written a few years ago by a father in Florida. (I did not write this prayer, but I have altered it slightly to fit my girls.) I think it perfectly fits the cries of my heart:

Almighty God,
Watch over my children.

In an age of violence, teach them peace.
Fill their souls with harmony rather than discord.
Protect them from injury, harm and sudden death at the hands of others.

Watch over my children, dear Lord.
In an age of materialism, selfishness, and greed,
Let them see beyond the things of this world so that they may see a glimpse of things spiritual.
Let them value others above themselves.
Let them seek wisdom above wealth.

Watch over my children, dear Lord.
In an age of lust, let them know love.
In an age of gratification, let them know restraint.
Keep them sexually chaste and self controlled.

Watch over my children, dear Lord.
As they grow, guide them.
As they stumble, hold them.
In their times of anger, love them.
In their times of fear, touch them.
In their times of foolishness, teach them.
When they stray from your path, retrieve your lost sheep.

Watch over my children, dear Lord.
Do not grant all the desires of their hearts,
But grant all the needs of their souls.
Let them know sacrifice and discipline
So that they may know strength and faith.
As gold is placed in fire to be refined,
Give my children pain and suffering
So that they may lose those things in their hearts and minds that are harmful to their souls.

Watch over my children, dear Lord.
Give them love for the beauty of the world you have made.
Give them love for the family and friends.
Give them love for the strangers in their midst.
And above all, give them love for you,
That they may know you,
Serve you,
And glorify you.

Watch over my children, dear Lord.
Forgive us as parents when we have failed in the nurture of these children,
And quiet our worries and fears.
May we, trusting in your love for our children,
find rest and peace in the knowledge that you are with them.

Amen.