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

“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Many children are taught this simple phrase and, though it may not sound like earth-shattering advice, it is important to the way of Christ. When we live by this advice, we step back and take time to think about what we are say; we are more likely to respond in a loving and constructive way.

Kindness and goodness are two fruits that take into consideration the realities of God and others, and when we practice these, we respond in ways that glorify God and encourage others. Being kind is more than just being nice; it is seeing Christ in all people.

To be kind is to not just “not say” things, but it is to do the things that Christ would have us do, so that every person is treated as a child of God.

Tim Tate

Pray

God, I want to glorify you in all that I do and say, so that others will know you through me. 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.