Back to School 
Pause
Parties are sometimes the result of long and detailed planning. They involve decorations, music, food, and formal invitations.
Sometimes, though, parties break out in an all-of-a-sudden kind of way when somebody notices that there is reason to celebrate—right now!
You might think of the Scriptures as one huge invitation to God’s party. See if you can’t find a good reason—right now—to join the celebration.
Listen
But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Mark 5:33–34
Think
You hear it over and over: “Practice makes perfect.” If we only work harder we can get it right—no mistakes. Work on your shot after practice and make that winning goal. Study two more hours and get an “A” on the test. Commit yourself to being kind, and you will never say the wrong thing to a friend. Thinking this way creates anxiety and sets us up for disappointment.
Jesus offers another way. He knows we are human—imperfect just like everyone. Despite imperfection, Jesus loves us. When we reach out to Jesus in faith, Jesus makes us whole. Not wholeness that requires perfection, but that allows us to face another day. Wholeness that gives us peace so that tomorrow we can try again without anxiety or the pressure of needing to be perfect.
You don’t need to be perfect. All Jesus asks is to do the best you can. Have faith.
Jenifer Gamber
Pray
Loving Jesus, I know that I’m not perfect. I know I’ll make mistakes. Help me celebrate my successes and accept when I fall short. Give me faith in you and in myself. Grant me peace today. Amen.
Go
It takes at least two to celebrate;
But, you know, the more the merrier!
God has made all the preparations
And now awaits your response.
Why not join all the many others
Who have also joined the party?
It’s the best celebration ever!
