The month of August 2019 has just rolled over on continuing calendar of life. It reminds me of a few things – one of which is that it’s only a few weeks kids return to school. Those lazy days of extra rest, relaxation, and freedom from schedules, remembering homework and packing lunches will soon come to an end as sports schedules and band practice start for another year. For the parent, the thought of the new school year looming on the horizon usually brings a sigh of relief, sadness for missed opportunities, thankfulness for good times spent together and the anxiety that comes with fitting everything in the schedule – all rolled into one. It’s August, and summer passed quickly.
So, what do we do with the mixed bag of feelings that often starts creeping in this time of year? We take them to the Lord. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”God knows what lies ahead for the next school year, even though we don’t. Trust Him, and when we find ourselves feeling anxious, remember this verse!
Feeling like you could have done “better” parenting this summer, or done more with the time you had? Yes, Ephesians 5:15-16says “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Every one of us has wasted time, wish we could have it back, and would like a do-over. Take it to the Lord. Trust in the forgiveness you find in Him and rest in it, as Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
And above all, give thanks for the good times and the good things that came out of this year’s summer respite! “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1
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