Listen

Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me. The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

Think

My awesome friend Myles is 10 years old and he is already a rock-climbing expert! Every weekend he goes climbing with his parents, and sometimes they’ll spend several weekends in a row at the same boulders so Myles can keep working on the same “problem” until he succeeds and reaches the top! I’m sure he falls, and I’m sure he has to start over a lot. And, I’m sure his fingers get achy and bloody. But he keeps practicing until he gets it.

I’m really amazed at his dedication. And I’m really amazed at his strength — I don’t think I could climb mountains like that! But I do think I can practice being like Jesus the way Myles practices climbing. We all get things wrong sometimes, but I like that Myles keeps getting back up and trying again.

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Pray

God, I want to be like Jesus. Help me to keep practicing each day. And when I get things wrong, help me to get back up, stand tall, and start anew in your grace. Amen.

Go

Know that Christ is alongside you, arm in arm like a good friend.

Christ is behind you, helping you.

Christ is ahead of you, showing you the way.

Christ is below you, carrying your worry.

Christ is above you, illuminating your path.

Christ is within you, for you are his home.