Back (Pew) to School again

School Days, School Days..  Dear old Golden Rule days  
' Reading and 'riting and 'rithmetic  
Taught to the tune of the hick'ry stick' 
hick’ry stick?     

So NOT politically correct! but.. I LIKE IT!
​
Back to school begins traditionally the day after Labor day here in Minnesota. Parents, students, and teachers transition from vacations, picnics, and the beach to a world of chalk dust, text books, report cards, and a possible trip to the principle's office.​

---

CHALK DUST bites the DUST
Of course chalk dust is becoming a part of old school urban legend. I-Pads and smart phones are the tools (and distractions) of today's student.  They say.. You are only as smart as your.. smartphone?

​Then the timeless excuse 'My dog ate my homework" has been upgraded for our high speed high tech society with.. "my wi-fi was down", or "a  computer virus ate my homework". Also, Notes passed  between students has been 'HI-TECHED' by texting and/or social media posts.

---

My wife Mary is a school teacher who taught for 15 years in the public schools before moving to a  small Christian school these last 6 years. A teacher is  truly how God wired by wife as you can tell by the hours she spends prepping or talking teacher talk with her  other teacher peeps.  Now this is my 4th year as a school bus driver.  What a treasure trove of new cartoon ideas I have wandered into.  

God bless all of you gifted educators in the public school systems (you are so important), but for my wife she could  not be  happier where she is  now still teaching the 3 Rs,  but blending  this with a Christian world view, prayer,  and  worship of  the God of  our Bibles.   Truth be told it has  become as much of a ministry as  an occupation as evidenced by her  pay cut moving  from the public  school system.

My Prayer of Blessing for all you dedicated educators (public & private) that Jesus be first and  foremost in your lives. May your faith and God's truth guide your words and deeds. Kindness,  compassion,  and loving discipline are the marks of a Godly educator.

My Prayer of Concern​ for public schools is for the language and tone not minimize  or apologize for our nation's Christian heritage. Public Schools in their determined quest to remain NEUTRAL in matters of faith have instead become NEUTERED in respect to our Christian heritage. While there is no question we are all to  respect the differing faiths of others but it's a MISTAKE to become so SECULARIZED that we are void  of the one true  God.  

---

The Pledge and Patriotism
And  while we are at  it, I pledge allegiance to  the  flag and  the  United States  of  America. And  to the Republic for which it stands,  one nation UNDER GOD.. This pledge needs to be in schools.  Patriotism and honoring our  country (flaws and all) needs  to  be an integral part of education.  Christians should not think the pledge is as a sign of Christian Nationalism.  It is not! The pledge clearly states one nation UNDER GOD. 

I am seriously miffed at a movement in the 'progressive' Christian community that has a problem with God and Nation.  Again, read the pledge.. one nation UNDER God. 

​OBTW,  please don't kneel during  the  Star Spangled Banner. Save your kneeling for your prayer time.

IN SUMMARY .. Happy/blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord Psalms 33:12,.. and so it goes without saying happy/blessed is the SCHOOL whose God is  the Lord.  When our nation and/or schools compromise Psalms 33:12 there in lies the erosion of all God intends for His people.

---

May God bless all of  you  educators this  coming year. Be faithful and sensitive to God in your lives as He leads  you.  Good Teachers are a true blessing to the foundation of our country! 

​Jeff (semi-educated/bus drivin') Larson



​note: For a complete look at all things school from a Back Pew perspective, click here-> SCHOOL

---