Stand in the Gap.

Nathan headed off to the bus at 6:35 this morning. Hard to believe he's a junior. His first day of kindergarten still shines vivid in my memory. He loved school when he was little and wanted summer to hurry up and get done so he could get back to school.

He has learned to appreciate the joys of summer over the past eleven years, but he still loves going to school. He woke up at 5:00 this morning, raring to go. (We always worry he'll sleep through the alarm. He never does.) He doesn't need us to walk him to the bus stop anymore. My baby boy is growing up. Does he still appreciate our prayers with him each morning?

My little one heads of to kindergarten in just a couple weeks -- I love our system's staggered entry program for the little ones, but she would like to go NOW! We visited her school last week and peeked into her classroom. I thought she'd be thrilled at the kitchen area, dress up clothes and books. She saw something else that has her so excited she can hardly stand it. I'd tell you what it is, but she swore me to secrecy. ;-)

Ben loves school this year too. He started first -- my young home schooler wants desperately to go to public high school next year. He's willing to work hard to overcome the hurdles he's always faced. No complaining so far this year... well, a little bit on Monday, but not much.

My kids love learning. And school.

But not everyone does. Lots of kids go to school without lunch. They go without any support from their parents. Often, it's simply because the parents don't know how to help. They're overwhelmed by trying to survive day to day. Teachers care for these kids the best they can, but unsupportive home situations are hard to overcome.

Let's pray for the kids who don't have prayer today. For kids going to school hungry. Or tired. Or hurting. Let's pray for teachers to be able to touch these little hearts supernaturally. While we're at it, let's ask God to show us how we can help. We can fill schools with supplies for kids who have nothing. We can volunteer in the schools -- standing in the gap to love them the way Jesus would. We can make a difference. It's not the teachers' job to do it alone. It takes a community to raise a generation!

What will you do?