Back to School

Pause

Going Back2School this year will be different, even a little scary. So make space for God today.

Just like packing your backpack for school, carve out some time each day to be filled with God’s presence.

Breathe in… breathe out… Be still, knowing that you are God’s beloved.

Listen

After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were shocked.

His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!”

Luke 2:46-48

Think

For three days Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus. What a frightening experience! However, this was just the first of many scary experiences for Jesus’ parents. The mission of Jesus surely didn’t always match up to the expectations Mary and Joseph held as his parents, for he was more than their child – he was the Messiah. I like to think that all three of them grew in knowledge this day. Mary and Joseph learned that Jesus’ life is far bigger than they ever imagined, while Jesus learned not to cause his parents undue worry. They all learned that life will be a constant challenge for each of them to seek to understand one another.

Whom do you identify with in this story: Jesus, Mary, or Joseph? Why? How have you worried another person with your decisions?

During these first weeks of school, consider how sharing your knowledge with loved ones can help you. Share your dreams, your goals, your fears – so that those who love you may know you more. Be open to learning from your parents and friends.

Josh Speight

Pray

God, help me to share my life with those who love me the most. Help me to share my laughter and my pain so that I am heard. Help me to trust those who love me enough to rejoice with me and to cry with me. Help me to share life together with those I love. Help me to love them as you love me. Amen.

Go

Go now in the power of the Spirit of God, blessed to be God’s Church in the world.