Where did the summer go?

This week, those involved with Newberry public county schools have returned to their jobs and assignments as teachers, students, and administrators. Our students begin their first day tomorrow with much anticipation and regret. College students soon will begin as well as seminarians. Anticipation for the newness that lies before them but the regret that the lazy dog days of summer are no more and they actually return to the world of schedules, busyness, and yes, even stress.

It is strange that I am not joined in with them. For so many years, my life has revolved around semesters and breaks. Well, in the Church, it still does but not in the same way. I no longer have long summer breaks (not that they were ever REALLY that long), or fall breaks, or spring breaks. I get very short amounts of vacation time. Yet, even though the liturgical calendar is far from ending (about 14 weeks in case anyone was wondering) we still gear up for the programming kick-offs in all things children and youth related.

The kick-off of school always brings feelings of excitement and apprehension. Am I going to like the class I'm taking, the people I'm with, and will I be able to pass with THAT teacher this year? It's the same in the work force too- is this idea going to work, are we going to be able to get along as a team, can we get past the failure that happened before?

Even though I am not starting new classes and getting adjusted to a new schedule; I still am in the midst of that back to school crazy-ness. The new ideas and events set forth on the table, being seeded and watered to help, shape, and form God's children have given me much excitement and sometimes, apprehension as of late. Finding ways to entrust and equips others to do the tasks of education and ministry can sometimes be quite difficult and plain tiring. I am still in the midst of a new community that is starting to rejoin itself after leadership loss and stability, thus making each day and adventure. Yet, I trust that things will work out the way they need to, and if not, I will continue on my journey because of God's grace. God's ministry is for all of God's people and God will use all of us in the ways needed in the months ahead. May God use all of you whether you are a student, teacher, or in a day to day routine in the workforce.