Back to School

Pause

What will you hear today? Take a deep breath. God has something for you, to shape you, to calm you, to inspire you.

Listen

They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds.

Psalm 1:3

Think

In scrolling through, you might miss it. One word. An action word. Because in a picture holding images of trees, streams, and unfading fruit, it’s easy to move past what might just be the most important word in this verse. Did you look again at the scripture?

Here it is … REPLANTED. Given another chance; a new opportunity to sink in its roots and lift up its branches; to stretch out and give a tangible gift to those around it.

God is like that for us. Working with us over and over. Helping us shake off old dirt, maybe old habits, and move to a new place. God helps us plant ourselves, yet again, with the hope that this time — this day, this season — we grow. Grow in a way that we don’t only live for ourselves, but to grow something that feeds others, gives them joy, shade, or peace.

That’s what it is to be loved by God. It is like being replanted and given the opportunity to bless and be blessed over and over.

Gina Yeager-Buckley

Pray

O God, let me see what I can grow for you today. Let me understand how I can deepen, stretch, and offer something good for your world. I tend to forget that this happens over and over. Thank you for this reminder today. Amen.

Go

Go into the world. Make disciples. Make people curious. Make your faith visible.