Circuit Thoughts

By the time you read this, School will have started in your area. So, let’s take a collective breath and try to relax. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or guardian, busy times are ahead. Scheduling will be a premium and time will be fleeting. The stress level will be rising and there is a good bet that your blood pressure will rise with it.

Now would be a time to maybe start some new routines. No, I’m not talking about adding more stress, in fact my ideas may reduce stress in the long run. How about praying with the kids before they go out the door in the morning? Maybe add a devotional every evening as they get ready for bed. The point is this, just because it is going to be busier, is no excuse to leave God out. In fact, I would challenge you that as the school year progresses it is even more important to make sure God is a part of their lives.

It makes sense if you think about it. We are subject to the world’s teachings most of our waking hours. Our children are wired into something all day long. Most of what they read and hear has very little to do with God. If we want to raise better citizens, then we need to change the narrative. That’s where prayer and devotions come into play.

But that isn’t enough. As parents, or guardians, we also need to teach them the importance of living for Christ. This means prioritizing Church and Sunday School. I know, the school and clubs take up an inordinate amount of time. I also know that homework can be substantial. But, if we prioritize time with God, including worship and study, then the other “priorities” will fall into place.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I plan on being at many of the home basketball games this season, and some of the other events, but my priority will be the church (I know, I’m the preacher, so it kind of has to be). But that priority must be yours also. In church, God can instill morals that the world would have us do without. In church we can teach not just right and wrong, but also hope and love. In church we can learn what it means to be a child of God, rather than just another statistic in the world’s ledger.

As this school year begins, we have a great opportunity to make disciples and bring our children closer to God. But it will take focus, work, and determination.

I promise you; it will be worth it.

So, I challenge you to start those new routines; Prayer in the morning, devotion in the evening. Prioritize church and Sunday School, and make sure the kids know there is a God in Southern Missouri. And maybe, just maybe, God will change the world through our children. There is always hope.

See you in church.