Back to it...

                                           by Pastor Becky Todd
It's time for "back to school".  In our household we are mostly ready for this annual event.  The new sneakers plus a few outfits are bought; all the supplies are being gathered.  It's a time of preparation, looking ahead with anticipation for the year to come.  There is indeed excitement for the prospects of a new year.  There is also a natural pull toward the familiar routine.  We welcome the return of habits lost; earlier bedtimes, alarm clocks and paused activities.  

Just as the morning comes again and brings a fresh start, so do the seasons.  What in your life needs a new beginning?  It's a question for all of us really, not just families heading back to school.  The return of a new church year brings opportunities to try again, perhaps in a new ministry, a bible study or a Sunday class.  Maybe it's more personal and for you it means renewal of time alone with God.  Even if this is your (fill in the blank) time to restart, just do it again.

Just start, again!  God welcomes us back, it's called grace.  He gives it freely. 
Read: Ephesians 2:8, Lamentations 3:22-23

​Invite a friend into your new start.  You're likely to be more successful when you work together, and it's just more fun!

Parent Tip:  Trying to get into a healthy Bible or devotional time as a family.  If morning is your thing, stick your Children's Bible in the cupboard with the cereal boxes.  Grab it when you are getting breakfast and share a story.  If you are not a morning person, leave it on the table for the dinner hour.  Maybe life is tough and the table is never clean, keep it out and visible, pick it up!  Just start, again!