My Beginning of the Year Prayer

It is time! The 2021-22 school year is just around the corner. We are coming off the hardest school year we have ever encountered. While we long for normal, we know that we are not out of the woods just yet. Entering this school year, we will still have to monitor numbers, quarantine students, and work diligently to ensure the safety of our students and staff. 

We have all spent more time at home over the past 18 months than ever before. At the Johnson house, we have begun the process of digitizing all of our old VHS home videos. We are finding such lost treasures! This past week, we discovered a special video from June 18, 1994 - our wedding. I was one of the special little girls who had the privilege of her father performing my marriage ceremony. It was such an emotional event! My Dad had to give me the written ceremony a week in advance so I could desensitize myself to the meaningful words in an effort to avoid an extreme emotional breakdown during the ceremony! As I was watching and listening, his prayer for our marriage spoke deeply to me. 

Our Father, all of us who are here today are blessed with Your abiding love.
As Scott and Kelly kneel in your presence today, bestow Your favor upon them.
Be to them what they will need:

A rock that will anchor their soul in the swirling currents of life.
A fortress to hide until the devastating winds of adversity have abated.
A light to illuminate the way to peace, joy, and happy homes together.
A rainbow that will always remind them that the sun will soon come out after the rain.
And a shepherd that will guide them over the mountains and through the valleys of life - ever leading them beside the still waters of Your purpose and feeding them in the verdant pastures of Your grace.

Bless their home with much laughter; many dear moments and rich experiences with You. 
May the road rise to meet them and the wind be always at their back.
And may You hold them in the palm of your hand.

As I look over the course of my life, there is no doubt that this prayer has blessed my journey. This prayer is not just for a marriage. This prayer is relevant to many of life's experiences. 

The beginning of the year is always filled with anticipation, excitement, and wonder! As educators, our job is monumental. We aren't creating items on an assembly line; we are shaping lives that will determine the future trajectory of our community and country. This is a massive responsibility that should never be taken lightly. 

I don't think that I found this prayer by accident this week. Although I have lost my earthly Father, he continues to guide my words and actions each and every day. He was one of the most Godly people I know, and he finds ways to speak to me still. People who know me well often hear me say, "I am channeling my inner Sam Dean." :)

This prayer has blessed my marriage for over 26 years. Today, this is my prayer for the upcoming school year. We may not know what the days ahead hold, but my prayer is that God remains my rock, fortress, rainbow, and shepherd as we lead this important work. 

I look forward to another wonderful year. It is a privilege, blessing, and honor to be given the opportunity to lead such a wonderful district in such a marvelous community. As we move into a new school year for our children, may we keep their needs as our focus and not allow any enemy to distract our focus.