Back to School: First Day at School

It’s your first day at School
And you are excited
Happy and ready
And a bit nervous too.

I smile and remind you
To take your rain coat
Don’t forget your wellies
Your satchel, your lunch.

You say quick, quick, quicker
And we rush through the door
You jump on your scooter
And school, here we go!

It’s your first day at school,
But it’s mummy’s too.
I hope we make friends
I wish this for us two.

As you were sleeping
Yesterday night, I asked
God to grant you
A fantastic time.

I pleaded with Him
‘Don’t let him be sad,
May he enjoy learning,
And may children be kind’

It’s your first day at School
And I want you to know
How much I do love you,
How much I care too.

I’m a bit apprehensive
To tell you the truth;
I know there’ll be sunshine
But rain might come too.

Is it really too early
To talk about this?
To tell you my darling
That storms might come in?

To say that not everyone
Will be welcoming you,
That there will be hurt
And pain in there too?

It’s your first day at school
And I hope you recall
Our last Bible reading
That shone as a jewel,

Reminding us both
How much God really cares
Even in the ordinary events;
Like, what you’re doing today.

As you run to the school gates
And that kid blocks your way
And my heart leaps and flaps
God’s words come and say:

“Trust in me, darling,
With all of your heart,
Not on your own understanding
‘Cause that’ll make you doubt.”

I nod and I sigh and
Then I look back,
And surely a girl
Is holding your hand…

She is smiling and making
Space to go through,
And she seems so happy
To have found a friend too.

I look up and say:
‘Thank you Jesus for this’
You then turn your head
And say ‘Mum this is bliss!

~ Ellelein Kirk