Back to school

First day butterflies!

As I'm sure most of you are aware, the schools in North Ayrshire restarted once more after the summer holiday this week.

I'm sure this signalled a collective sigh of relief from parents as routine is restored once more!

But of course it is a significant time for those pupils who are beginning school for the first time or making the step up from primary to secondary school.

I wonder if you remember your first day of school and what it was like? Or I wonder if you remember what it was like going back to school after the 6-week holiday which, at the beginning, had seemed like it would stretch on forever!

I can still remember the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as the 'back to school' signs appeared in the shops and then the fateful day came when school became a reality once more.

Of course, in our lives there are always things that we fear and things we don't look forward to. For some, their job is a stress and a strain. For others, it is family that is the worry or finances. For others, it may be health that is an issue. We all have that 'thing' that gives us that 'first day at school' feeling!

For the Christian it is a great comfort that it says in the Bible that God 'knows the plans he has for us' (Jeremiah 29) and that they are to 'prosper us and not to harm us'. It is a great comfort to know that God is there and is able to help us through.

Now I believe this with all my heart - but I recognise that for some, having that kind of hope might just seem like a crutch for the weak. But as I heard Bear Grylls say in an interview once, what does a crutch do? It helps a person to stand, it allows them to walk, it strengthens them. Sometimes, this is exactly what is needed.