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
An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.”
Luke 9:46–48
Think
Who doesn’t want to be the life of the party? The center of attention? The popular one? What if, instead, we gave life to the party? Jesus did just that by healing the sick, forgiving those who had done wrong, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, releasing the prisoner, and befriending the stranger. And he asks us to do the same.
So, today at school, look at those around you. Offer help to those who are struggling with a math problem, an encouraging word to a teammate on the soccer field, an invitation to someone sitting alone to join your table in the cafeteria, or a simple “hello” to friends you don’t know. Remember, the least among all of you is the greatest. Bring life to the party.
Jenifer Gamber
Pray
Jesus who welcomes everyone to the table, open my ears to your invitation to serve others. Open my eyes to the needs of others. Open my arms to welcome everyone as my friend. 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!
