back to school!
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven… Ecc. 3:1
Pencils are sharpened, backpacks and lunches are packed and kids, parents and grandparents all are prepared to conquer a new year of school. The change from summer routines to school year schedules can be dramatic! When my kids were little we had to start rolling back bedtime a couple of weeks before school started so that the early morning wake up calls weren’t quite as shocking as they would be otherwise. Transitions are rough but there is something rather wonderful about falling back into routines.
Whether your school routine is brand new because you are launching your Kindergarten baby into the big, wide world (praying for you momma!) or whether you are old hat at this because it’s your 25th year teaching, you can still find wisdom and comfort in the Word of God.
For the newbies, take comfort in knowing that God is good at launching us and those we love into new situations. He exhorts his people through Joshua to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Jos. 1:9. You can pray that over your little ones stepping into school for the first time. I’ll be praying that over my oldest baby as she steps not into Kindergarten but into her very first day of college. Launch days for mommas come over and over and they don’t necessarily get easier but for those growing in Christ we know that although we may not be able to go with our kids into the big wide world, we know that He can and He will be with them always.
For the veterans out there, you are encouraged to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12.1-2 Further, God reminds us to “…not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:9-10 There is much work to be done but you are empowered by the very Spirit of God who will equip you for the task ahead. And friend, remember when the task is more than you can manage that you have a God who is more than enough. Lean into His ways and find your strength.
Whether you’re starting a new school year, new fitness routine, or a new season of life, we can take heart from the Word of God. There is a season for all things and with confidence we can know that no matter our season, we have a God who will always go with us. For He has promised:
‘“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear…”’ Hebrews 13:5b-6a.
Question: What season are you moving into and how do you see God moving in this new season?
Hoping in Him~ Tracie Durham, Little Rock, AR
Tracie Durham is a Body & Soul® Instructor in Central Arkansas. She is a home school momma to three amazing kiddos and wife to a fire chief. Tracie loves to think deeply about the things of Jesus and write and reflect on His Word. Her hope is that this post blesses you and brings honor and glory to God.
Body and Soul® Fitness is an international Christian fitness organization that trains and equips instructors to lead a variety of group fitness programs including choreographed aerobics-style Cardio Strength & Flexibility™, cardio dance style Dance Blast™, free-weights-focused Power Strength™, boot camp style FIT360™ and Longevity FIT360™, and GOLD™ - lower impact programming for participants that are pregnant, have weight challenges, injuries, or other medical conditions. These exercise classes meet in church gyms, community centers, gymnasiums, parking lots, schools, etc. across the United States, Europe, and Africa. In-person and virtual fitness classes are available.
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