Good morning…
Many public schools here in the south began classes on August 1st. Some private schools and colleges began last week, while others begin today. I talked with my brother in Pennsylvania last night, and they don’t start school until next Monday. When we grew up in Ohio, the new school year always began after Labor Day. Scattered all over our calendars, collectively we face a staggered start.
Though start dates differ, our mixed feelings are much the same. Our shared emotions are touched by this devotional from August 17th.
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A blessing for the start of a new school year (Is anyone really ready?!) by Kate Bowler
The year is tilting toward the start of school again,
but truth be told, we’re not ready.
We’re still hanging on to summer, to the promise it held
for long-awaited connections and celebrations,
for refreshment for our bodies and souls
in water and sky and color and sunlight,
and all those little moments given to us
where we could linger just a little longer.
Now that it’s almost over, we don’t want to let it go.
The beauty. The freedom. All that was life giving.
God, could you help us stretch it, extend it,
and maybe even blend it
into this coming school year?
Parents, students, teachers, all,
May your newly-structured days breathe with creativity,
your new duties be infused with delight.
As you write on those fresh new calendars
May you trust that your plans are a lot like magic ink.
Much may seem to disappear into obscurity,
but whatever is done in love will remain.
Amen.
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What a perfect reminder: whatever is done in love will remain, season by season by season.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV).
…Sue…
