It’s that time of year…back to school! This year is different though. For the first time in 20 years, our home doesn’t have a child in school. Our youngest of 5 graduated last spring. As I have passed the school supplies in the stores, my mind has wandered over all the warm memories of school days with our children…the joy of new pencils, fresh notebooks, and a much needed fresh, clean lunch box…days of laughter and learning…and to be honest, days of frustration over the lack of a willing spirit and teachable hearts. Yet God has another thought pressing on my heart and mind. This thought has been lingering on the outskirts, waiting for me to carefully inspect it.
Life has its seasons, with different lessons, different experiences, different challenges, and yet we are always going back to school. The list of necessary school supplies will continue to change, just like it always has through the years, but the joy of the new…new clothes, better clothes…the righteousness of Christ, and a new fresh start will always be ours throughout eternity. Just like in school, some lessons come easy and we love what we are learning, its fun and exciting. However, some lessons are hard, our minds don’t want to work to learn this content. We don’t see the value, why would we ever need to know this “useless” information. Yet we do love our Teacher, He really is the best teacher ever! He loves us unconditionally. He never, ever loses His patience or becomes discouraged with us. He never classifies us as hopeless or stupid. His incredible, infinite love inspires our hearts with new courage to try again…to trust His promises.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
I don’t know what classes you’re taking at the hand of our wonderful Teacher… raising young ones for His glory, working a job that has difficult coworkers or boss, caring for aging parents, or fighting cancer or other health challenges. Maybe you are struggling to know what God would have you do for your lifework or like me you are learning to adjust to…appreciate…. a quiet, peaceful home with your children grown after so many years of rambunctious activity. I want a willing, teachable heart, a heart and mind that value all the classes God has in store this new school year. I desire to learn to be content with whatever lessons God has for me. I long to grow to be more like Jesus every single day, how about you?
Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
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