Just like that, August is upon us! For me, August signals the beginning of school, our customary and welcoming New Teachers’ Luncheon, the return of regular church campus activities including the return of our famous, faith and fellowship-centered Wednesday night dinners. But, alas, these events may happen later than usual or not at all in 2020. Much of the schedule I just described is being pondered and/or debated as we enter another month of the pandemic.
Dealing with the unknown can cause us to be anxious. God’s Word calls us to live by a different standard as we read in Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As I write this note to you, as a community and nation we are struggling with when and how schools will reopen. As one very experienced educator wrote – we hear a lot about the importance of schools reopening, but there is one word missing from this statement. We all want to see schools open, but we should all want to see the schools open SAFELY. I sense some anxiety in many people involved in this decision and as we move in the direction of this launch, we should feel the peace of God come over us as we put prudent plans in place to educate our precious children, in a safe environment that keeps everyone well.
As we’ve read before in the Book of Romans, nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Romans 8:39b) Whatever challenge or test you may be facing, I pray you will seek God’s direction and the support of a loving brother or sister in Christ that cares about you. In
this way, we can overcome the anxious thoughts that may manifest in us.
God loves you and so do I,
Pastor Jeff