Back to School

Pause

There are times that it may seem we have “outgrown” our faith. It is at times like these we can rediscover our calling to grow daily in the knowledge of Jesus and in our relationship with him.

Everyone is different, even as we are much alike. It is in the journey, one day following another, that we come to discover our true selves.

And it takes time. Moments such as these now help to provide direction.

Listen

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10

Think

At the start of a new school year, prospects seem bright and shiny. We have new teachers, new books, new classmates. We carry a new backpack or wear a new pair of shoes. Pretty soon, all that newness starts to wear off. Our shoes get scuffed up in gym. Our teacher hands us a mountain of homework. We experience conflict among friends. We realize things that shine have a way of turning dull.

In reading today’s text, we sense that Paul knew this, too. The church was excited about their spiritual life, but Paul said, “Sure, these things are exciting and shiny, but that isn’t all there is.” There’s more. So it is with our faith journeys. We go through periods of enthusiasm but often lose the excitement we felt before. The shoe doesn’t fit like it used to. The mountain seems impassable. Paul’s words call us to keep seeking more.

Meredith Forssman

Pray

Eternal God, grant me joy as I experience fresh faith and grant me strength for when things are more mundane than exciting. Help me to seek your love that never ends when all that’s around me seems temporary. Amen.

Go

There is a place for you and a time for you.
In the moments when it seems the world is a very awkward place,
Remember that it is still your home.

Gather with your friends;
Open your hand to strangers.
Determine that even in the tensions between
What is and
What could be,
You will trust in the Maker of time and space,
The One who is keeping you to the end.