When I look outside the window of my apartment, I can see the shop down the street advertising fall clothes. Families fill the sidewalks holding shopping bags with brightly colored notebooks, rulers and pencils. And the library is full of kids cashing in prizes for their summer reading points.

It can mean only one thing: back to school.

Whether you are the parent of a kindergartner or a college graduate (or a student yourself!), the season can raise a flood of emotion: excitement, nervousness and anticipation. As you enter this season of new beginnings, here are a few Scripture verses to encourage you (and your kids!) along the way.

1. Don’t worry! Even though school can seem daunting, you can bring ALL your worries to God.
“Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6, 7

2. The knowledge you gain in school is valuable.
“Yes, beg for knowledge; plead for insight.Look for it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure.”

Proverbs 2:3, 4

3. There is a time for everything, including new beginnings.
“Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death,the time for planting and the time for pulling up, the time for killing and the time for healing, the time for tearing down and the time for building.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

4. Be thankful in all things, including the opportunity to get an education.
“Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18