Off to College They Go or How Can I Help My Kids Be Prepared for College?

It’s that time of year.
Our “kids” are “launching” into the college experience. We’ve done everything we can think of to make it all go smoothly.

We got them new sheets, a microwave and a coffee pot and all sorts of special things for their dorm room.

We got them plenty of protein snacks to keep up their energy level as they study.

They have their Dining Hall pass. They have done a walk-through for the location of all their classes. They have their books for each class.

BUT…Are they prepared?

My college experience (it seems like a hundred years ago)
I went UNprepared for even any aspect of the experience. I had graduated from a small town school where everyone knew everyone else.

I wasn’t even thinking that EVERYONE would be a stranger–with unknown habits and desires. I never thought about the lack of privacy. And the NOISE!

I didn’t even want to go to college, anyway. But no one asked me what I wanted. It was EXPECTED that I go. So, I did.

I was totally unprepared for dorm life
At my small town home, I’d had a huge room with bay windows overlooking the street. I could see Main Street from my windows. I had a double bed all to myself. It was just my brother and me with my Dad (my Mom had died when I was 13–after a very long illness). We lived in a large beautiful 2 story home with an attic and basement. I could walk safely anywhere in town. Everything I needed was within a few blocks of my home. And my protector–my Dad–was always only 5-10 minutes away.

Away at college, I had a small bed and a roommate. It was the days of the “sexual revolution”. The girls ran wild. They were boy-crazy. They blew up condoms and used them as balloons, tossing them around the hallway and in each room. I was totally surprised and unprepared.

My daughter was totally unprepared for dorm life
My daughter actually wanted to go to college. She had been homeschooled, so she was looking forward to being with lots of people her age. So, we “launched” her into the college experience in a “CHRISTIAN COLLEGE”. We thought it was a safe environment. Her roommate was from another country. it seemed like it was going to be such a good learning experience.

It sure was!
I had told her about my college experiences. But it never dawned on me that her roommate would invite men into her bed with her in the dorm room. My daughter was horrified and didn’t know what to do. It was ICKY. Embarrassing. And against the rules. It all got resolved, but it was a big mess for awhile.

How are we doing?
Every generation seems to get even more depraved, and have more creativity to sin and go against God’s plan for purity and wisdom.

Each year a new set of parents set up their kids’ dorm rooms
But, have we “prepared” them? REALLY prepared them!

It is a cold cruel world out there. They will experience things we never thought of. Are they prepared SPIRITUALLY for this SPIRITUAL BATTLE for their SOULS?

We must be SUPER PRAYER WARRIORS
Our kids need us to be interceding for them daily and often during the day whenever they come to mind. They are experiencing first hand a WORLD deeply influenced by the evil forces of darkness.

We know that GOD IS BIGGER but He also tells us that we have not because we ask not. He WANTS us to ASK for HIS intervention and protection.

Make a pact
Choose a prayer partner. (Hopefully, that is a husband or wife, but it is also great to have a friend prayer partner).

Praying for others’ kids and routinely checking in with each other is crucial. Don’t leave anything to chance. We aren’t meant to walk this EARTHBOUND path alone as parents. Where two or three are gathered, God is in their midst.

When something happens…and it WILL…don’t panic. PRAY. God promises to meet the need…in HIS way…in HIS timing.

There is a phrase in a song “In His Time” that helps me: “If I never had a problem, I wouldn’t know He could solve them. I wouldn’t know what faith in God can do. Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus. I’ve learned to trust in God. I’ve learned to depend upon His word.” AMEN? Amen~

BELIEVE! TRUST! ALL IS WELL! GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE!

Remember: JUST ASK!

HE ANSWERS! Guaranteed!

Until next time…KLU GIB.