Back to School 
Pause
A new school year is usually packed with Back-to-Back activities. Remember:
“Just because much of the world has pressed play on socializing and going out again, doesn’t mean you have to keep saying yes. You owe nothing to the chaos of collective exhaustion.
Your boundaries are sacred. They don’t need a reason.
Inhale: In freedom, I say no.
Exhale: I don’t need a reason.”
@blackliturgies, 2021
Listen
Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10
Think
I don’t enjoy running. Not at all. Not even a little. But I do it. What I dislike about running is this imaginary pace I set for myself as if I’m running a race or unnecessary distance I must reach. It’s not motivating. Instead, I create a myriad of excuses why today is not the day to run.
Then, I started running in intervals: two minutes fast, two minutes a little slower, one minute walk, repeat. And I would do this not for a certain distance, but for a certain amount of time. I realized it doesn’t matter what pace I keep as long as I keep going. It doesn’t matter how far I get just as long as keep doing it.
This faith journey we are on can be exhausting at times, sometimes inspiring. There’s no race to win, just an ability to keep going, no matter what pace or distance. And by all means, we aren’t to run this alone, but train alongside others. Why? So that we don’t give up.
Theresa Cho
Pray
Ever-present God, open my heart to embrace every opportunity to do good and receive good. In times when I grow weary, help me to maintain a pace that allows me to keep going. Bring alongside me companions to cheer me on, and may I do the same for others. Amen.
Go
Rest in the assurance that you are God’s own
Carry and share the load of others and let them carry yours
Look up and around you to where God is pointing
Celebrate that you are loved just as you are
