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How do you prepare for the day? When you wake up in the morning, what are some regular practices that are a part of your routine? Each day often brings its own set of blessings and challenges. Some mornings you may be filled with energy, in need of courage, wake up with anxiety, in need of self-control or in need of peace and calm.
We are embarking on the start of a new school year and that includes all of that the "First Day of School" brings to children, youth, teachers, administrators, school staff, parents and so many others.
I would invite you this week to take some time each morning to reflect and ask yourself: What significant things are happening in the day ahead? What do I need?
Take a moment to decide which one of these things might represent something that you need today from God and from others: Love, Grace, Peace, Joy, Kindness, Friendship, Patience, Mercy, Self-Control, Courage, Compassion, Honesty, Calmness, Energy.
Let this word sit with you for a moment, lift up your concerns to God in prayer and then take the word with you throughout the day. Then as you begin your day, consider these words from Lamentations:
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
This Sunday we will take some time as a congregation in both worship services to pray a blessing over all of those in our church family that are starting a new school year. I would invite all of our students (preschool through graduate school), teachers, administrators, and school staff to join us in worship with your backpacks, briefcases or tote bags. During the children's sermon, you will be invited to come forward and participate in a blessing.
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