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
People plan their path, but the Lord secures their steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Think
I was quite sure in junior high school that I’d be an attorney, then a veterinarian, an accountant, an actor, and finally a news broadcaster. Each time I’d made my mind up, I began looking at various class schedules to see what I should take. I kept my guidance counselor very busy with schedule changes.
This changed for me in high school at a youth group night. We did an activity in which we were led by another person. One time we walked in front, and the person guided us from behind. A second time the leader walked in front of us, and we followed them.
When I was walking in front, I was scared that I would run into something. When I listened and followed behind, I felt safe. This experience initiated a change in me. Rather than switching from career to career, I began trying to pray more and listen to where God was leading me and where God was securing my steps.
Randall Curtis
Pray
Lord, thank you for leading me in love. Help me to remember to pray and listen for you. 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.
