Back to School

Pause

For most of us, a new school year has begun. A time when we come back and see old friends we haven’t seen for a while. We have changed, many times physically, emotionally, and maybe even spiritually. We have been changed by summer experiences and relationships of which only we know.

What was your summer like?

How have you been changed?

Let us now listen for where God meets us in these changes.

Listen

Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.

Acts 9:7-8

Think

In college I worked at a summer camp where I was the river guide. Going into the summer, I was excited about being able to share stories and life lessons we learn from the river as I led children and youth through a river in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. However, it turned out that being a river guide was not what I had expected.

As I walked up to lead my first group, the director of the camp showed up with a huge stick. He said, “It’s your job to slap a large stick on the water while walking 50 feet in front of all the campers to scare away the snakes.” I was speechless, and I was very scared of water snakes. But I took my stick, and I stepped into the river, not knowing how much that summer would change me.

We are all called many times to walk into an uncertain future. Maybe the start of this school year feels like that for you. All we can do is pray and walk.

Randall Curtis

Pray

Lord, thank you for unexpected experiences. Be with me as I walk into new challenges and experiences. Amen.

Go

Before you go from this place, take a deep breath.

Open your heart to the possibilities that come from change.

Have no fear.

Rest in the assurance that God is with you, wherever the way may lead you.