Back to School

Pause

Summer began, and we were blessed to just let go and relax. As summer ends, we have to prepare for what is ahead, and that includes getting our backpacks in order.

As you prepare for school, or as adults prepare to get back into the “regular schedule,” the way we prepare and what we put into our “backpacks” prepares us for what we will face.

As you make your way through this day, take time now to make sure you have what you need to live out your calling.

Listen

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Galatians 5:22-23

Think

This week we will reflect upon the “fruits of the Spirit.” The first is Love, central to faith and foundational to who we are as Christ-followers.

As a kid, I learned a song: “Love is something, if you give it away . . . you end up having more. It’s just like a magic penny. Hold it tight, and you won’t have any. Lend it and spend it, and you’ll have so many, they’ll roll all over the floor; for love is something, if you give it away . . . you end up having more.”

If you take a seed from a fruit and plant it, it will grow. The same is true with love. Giving it away plants seeds and, when they take root, love grows wild! As you go through your day, look for opportunities to love and to follow God’s lead.

Tim Tate

Pray

Love, prepare my heart to be fertile ground in receiving you today, then move me to sow seeds of love in the hearts of everyone I meet. Amen.

Go

God has provided all that you need today.
Go with God’s provision, protection, and blessing.
Take what you have and share it,
Then look for God’s love at work
Within and around you.