Schultüte - Take 2

Schultüte filled with post-it notes, pencils, planners, art supplies, candy, and the like.

I guess it's never too late to start a new tradition. Last year, for the first time, I made Schultute for each of the kids for the first day of school. Schultüte are basically a German “Back to School” version of Christmas stockings in which school supplies and candies are stuffed into a colorful cone instead of a sock. They were so well received that I decided to do it again, this time even including the college sophomore who was just about ready to move out of the house.

Were they offended with this childish custom, I wondered. So I asked. Not at all. My 19, 17, 16, 13, and 10 year olds all think Schultüte are a charming tradition. (OK. Maybe it was a stupid question Who wouldn't enjoy fun, fresh office supplies and a bit of chocolate?)

As I did last year, there was one component for everyone's cone which required the most thought: Bible verses written on nice cards. I puzzled over which passage would be just right for each young person, passages relevant for now and ones that I can use as I pray for each individual through the coming year. (I longed to talk with Tim about these selections, but his connectivity in Zambia has been very spotty.)

Here are the verses I choose:

Hebrews 12: 1, 2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Romans 12: 1,2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Colossians 2: 6,7 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Jude 1: 20, 21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

Psalm 17:8 

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings 

Happy Back to School!