As I sit to write this article, we are in the throes of exam revision and preparation in our house. Those of you who are parents of older children I’m sure can relate to the conversations revolving around the quality and quantity of revision!!
And as you read this now, we are well and truly in the thick of the exam period. Whether GCSEs, A Levels, Finals or end of year exams, 1,000s of children up and down the country are taking exams. I’m sure each of us can think of family or friends who are currently in this situation. For some, these will be the first formal examinations they will have sat, in part due to the change in assessments over the last couple of years as a result of COVID.
Inevitably for some students, the tension will be high. Anxiety amongst our young people is greater than ever and the exam period only exacerbates this. Teachers and lecturers will have given their all with students right up until the last moment and parents are now managing the bumpy road of supporting their children through the exams. But all those involved will still, no doubt, be feeling the pressure for their children to achieve the very best they are capable of.
So how do we support one another and keep this tricky time in perspective? What better place to start than with words of encouragement about prayer. In the book of Philippians, Chapter 4: 6-7…
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Whatever our context or relationship to those taking exams, their parents/carers or teachers, lets pray these verses on their behalf. No situation is too insignificant for God to take an interest in – these verses clearly tell us to give our worries over to Him. And how amazing that a peace that is far greater than anything we can ever comprehend or understand will completely engulf these situations.
Life with teenagers is certainly a rollercoaster; let’s support one another both in prayer and practically as we navigate these choppy waters, particularly during this exam season.
And for those taking exams – keep going, you are doing a great job and we are all really proud of you!!
Becky Gammon
Guest Contributer #1 while Rev David Carrington is on sabbatical!
