Chills

Three words send chills through children and parents at this time of year...twelve little letters that call them to return to a way of life that seems distant in the glow of summer: Back to School.  Most likely you are hearing these words right now in the context of an invitation from retailers advertising their seasonal sales on everything from pencils and backpacks to shoes and cell phones.  It is a well known fact, at least advertisers would have us believe so, that one cannot return to school without spending large amounts of money in preparation for that return.  Going back to school, however, is much more that the accumulation of stuff.  For some it is a first-time journey into a world that holds great promise and great fear.  That can be said of kindergartners and college freshmen.  It is a reminder of the continuing and ever-changing seasons of life that open new and challenging doors.  In its traditional setting, it is also a reminder of a familiar movement toward the fall and winter months, holding for us their own blessings and challenges. No wonder there are chills in the midst of a sunny August day! 

 

Some of us would say such transitions are no longer part of our story, and yet, for most, if not all of us, there is an ever-moving rhythm of life that continues to usher in moments of preparation for something on the horizon.  Fear, uncertainty, joy, excitement, hesitancy...these and other emotions and expectations become partners to us along this journey.  Last Sunday we talked about Joshua and the challenges before him and the children of Israel as they prepared take their next steps across the Jordan and into the realization of God's promise.  The Lord encourages Joshua for his first day on the job through these words of encouragement: "Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  That assurance didn't suddenly make all the giants in his path disappear, but Joshua did find courage in these words to step out in faith and the people followed.

 

Whatever lies before you as a challenge this day, keep those words in mind.  The chills can be overcome through a power greater than you or the circumstance you are facing.

 

Jim Abernathy