Back to School 
Pause
Take a deep breath. A new school year brings expectations and challenges, but also new opportunities. Before you start thinking about everything you have to do, remember that God is with you. Let God’s presence calm your worries and open your heart to hear God’s voice.
Listen
Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.
Romans 12:2
Think
When a new school year begins, it’s easy to feel pressure to fit in. Sometimes it seems like everyone expects us to think the same way, act the same way, or follow what the majority does. Without realizing it, we start to change to feel accepted.
But Paul reminds us that God invites us to be different. Instead of letting ourselves be shaped by what others expect, we are called to allow God to transform our way of thinking. That transformation begins little by little, as we learn to see the world through God’s eyes and through our own experiences.
Being different doesn’t mean feeling superior. It means choosing what is good, fair, and true, even when it isn’t the most popular choice. God continues to shape our character so that our decisions reflect God’s love and our individuality.
Jhanderys Dotel-Vellenga
Question to Ponder:
What situations might challenge your faith this new year?
Pray
God, transform the way I think. Help me to always choose what is good. May my life reflect your love along with my personal values. Amen.
Go
Go forth with a willingness to do good. May your words, decisions, and actions reflect God’s love. Every day offers an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
