With the school year beginning and kids consumed with all the stress that that brings, I am reminded once again of the parable of the pencil.  

The pencil maker told the pencil five important lessons just before putting it into the box:
1) Everything you do will always leave a mark.
2) You can always correct the mistakes you make.
3) What is important is what is inside of you.
4) In life, you will undergo painful sharpenings, which will only make you better.
5) To be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you.

So much gospel truth in these five life lessons about the pencil.  God made us to shine, to be light, to be salt-to leave our mark.  There is nothing we can do that can't be forgiven by God.  Character counts.  Life is hard, but in hard times we grow.  Ultimately, it's a God thing, so "let go, and let God."  Not every sermon has to be 20 minutes! 

 
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  -Colossians 1:27

Prayer for Today
 
Dear God, Thank you for our schools - places that equip us to grow and mature and learn.  May we all be good students - and more importantly, faithful disciples. May our abiding hope be your presence in us. Amen.