“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

“School bells are ringing, loud and clear; Vacation’s over, school is here.” ― Winifred C. Marshall, “School”

To me, it still feels like summer! August feels like it should be filled with barbeques, pool parties, watermelon, and long days of doing nothing. However, I recognize that the shelves of Target are filled with school supplies and many school districts in my area are starting now or in the next couple of weeks. With this in mind, I’ve been thinking about how we all need some extra support and encouragement. So today, that is what you will find here! Support, encouragement and some ideas to help smooth out the frayed edges of the beginning of the school year.

Now this is for anyone! Whether you are deep in the years of sending your kids to school, homeschooling your kiddos, in college yourself, or even just in a full-time job. Fall brings some new beginnings for all of us and can mean new schedules, new roles, and other things that need our full attention. This can be hard for anyone! Find in this article what you need and leave the rest. 

PLAN AHEAD

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

The very first thing that you can do to help yourself as you prepare for the upcoming year is to start a plan! This can be daunting (even terrifying!) for some of us. For others (that’s me!) planning is the very best thing and maybe takes too much time. No matter where you are starting… remember: the plan is there to help you, not hurt you! Plan in a way that makes sense for you.

Here are some ideas.

• Grab a paper calendar or your favorite app.
• Put in all of your big events (school dates, doctor appointments, family events, extracurricular activities, and so on)
• Take note of any of the fun things that you want to make sure happen (dinners out, days off, vacations, special moments)
• Share with the people who need it! I put a paper calendar up on our wall with notes of all things, but I also have my own paper calendar where I track all the things. 

Don’t overcomplicate it! Just keep track of the things that will help simplify and enrich this time. Calendars and plans can be so helpful! They can help us to make sure that we stick to our priorities and pursue our goals. It can also allow us to trust that things won’t fall through the cracks. 

GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA SPACE

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of the difficult aspects of a new school year, or any new schedule changes, is really that it takes a while to adjust. It can take longer than we expect. We may feel off-centered or uneasy. It may also be more exhausting or overwhelming, leaving us drained and weary. We must be patient with the process. Be aware of what you may experience or feel. 

The more that you can anticipate these things, the better you will be equipped. Plan time into your schedule for extra space. Allow for down days, where there is very little expectation or plan. Set up time for self-care, naps, or to regroup. Even add extra time into your schedule for getting places. 

This space in your calendar would be taken up by activities if you let it. Instead, guard it. Put it in your calendar and don’t schedule over it. It’s ok to take the time you need! Especially in this busy season, people will be understanding, and all those activities will be waiting for you later!

BE PATIENT WITH THE PROCESS

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe

One of the things that I have loved to do at the beginning of a school year, or the start of anything new really, is give myself some time to get set up well. I want to start strong and well! So, I think about what I need as I go into a season. I do some shopping for some supplies that I need or need to replace. I clean and organize my spaces. I look over the plan and think about what I need. As I do this, I start to feel more ready and even excited! 

This same process can be so helpful for a family ready for a new school year! Be patient with the process. Go through all the things ahead, and make sure you have what you need. Set up a plan, even a very loose one. Make your space feel clean and organized, so you can enjoy being there. All of these things will help to ease the hustle and bustle of the fall season.

However, once things have started and are going along… don’t be afraid to adjust or change what you need to! You may have planned one thing, but through testing and time found that it isn’t helpful for your family right now. Making adjustments can allow you to find flows, habits, and traditions that you really love and enjoy. 

SOME COMFORTING VERSES FOR YOU

My prayer and hope for you is that you will make it through this time with grace and peace for the difficult moments, and extra joy for all the good! This can truly be a wonderful fall if you embrace the change, make a plan, be patient and give yourself space. 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” ~Colossians 3:23 ESV