It’s That Time of Year Again

This blog was written by Mark Morris.

It’s that time of year again, when the yellow buses will be making their way up and down our streets. The children will be climbing out of bed early and grabbing their backpacks and heading for the door. For many this is an exciting time to go back and see their friends and meet their new teachers and learn more exciting things, but for the grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, it can be a very difficult time .

Every year the school sends a supply list that seems to be getting bigger all the time. The supply list seems so different than it did first time around for us parents as we raised our children. Gone or the days of the simple crayon box and a notebook with paper and a few number two pencils. Now it is more complicated as they ask for $100 calculators amongst other things.

It can also be a challenge when it comes to buying school clothes for the kids. Everyone wants the nice shoes and the nice clothes. As we try to dress our children modestly, we still want them to look nice and feel comfortable.

This can be a challenge for the grandparents who are raising their grandchildren who receive no subsidies to help in this area. Many of them are living on Social Security and perhaps a small pension. So, this time of year can be a struggle.

This would be a great opportunity to for us who are more fortunate and not dealing with these issues to look around and be sensitive to those who may be struggling in this area. It would be a good time to be kind. Help when you can as Sage age folks we may not be paying attention to back to school needs as much as we did.

Nevertheless, there are those among us who still struggle every year at this time. Especially those who are our age and are raising their grandchildren. Let’s not get so busy enjoying this season in our lives that we fail to notice those who are still struggling. Perhaps another great ministry would be to help when it comes to school lunches.

In years past, I have volunteered at the school and it was always heartbreaking to be in the cafeteria and watch other children eat hot meals while some had to eat a peanut butter jelly sandwich because there was no money in their lunch account. What a great opportunity for us to be a blessing.

Let’s enjoy the season changes as we head for cooler weather, but let’s not forget those among us who struggle. Yes, it is that time of year again. God bless till next time.