Back to School

Pause

Playing cards with family, a doodle on a notebook, or a pick-up game of basketball. Should we really be spending time on frivolous activities? But then our eyes are opened: God is in all of this! We can play as well as work, study, or practice to the glory of God.

Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly. It was not a promise that we would be happy or have all that we had dreamed. It was the promise of abundant life, full of experiences and relationships, rich with love and joy.

Take time now to reconnect to that abundance.

Listen

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Think

Do you remember when summers lasted forever? We would play for hours! Our favorites were capture the flag, kick-the-can, and even kiss-n-chase. I told my older sister that I had the best hiding place for kiss-n-chase and she could hide with me. I was shocked when she said no way! I remember thinking she better hide quick or she would get caught! I sat like a statue and the minutes ticked by slowly. I was so determined to win I missed the ice cream truck! What was I thinking?

As summer ends, we want more time. We don’t have enough and yet we waste time by allowing behaviors like competition and consumerism to take control.

As you begin a new year, redeem time. Carve out free time, personal time, family time, prayer time, and time to think. All of our time is a gift from God.

Michelle Thomas-Bush

Pray

God of all time, give me courage to savor every moment of this day. Amen.

Go

Let us respond to the amazing love of God
With wild abandon and joyous laughter.
May our laughter reflect God’s delight,
And may our play be praise to God.