John 4: 14-15

 

Learning. Studying. Hollister? Last Thursday. Branson? Tomorrow. Yellow buses. Neighborhood bus stops. “Slow when lights are flashing” signs. Earlier to bed. Earlier up. New pencils. Maybe new backpacks. Perhaps new shoes. New teachers. New (ok, different) classrooms. Maybe new, different buildings. New kids. Same kids. School--cranking up again. New academic year. Back to school. Most of us are still programmed to think “school” this time of year. I’m curious about newly-retired teacher’s minds, years of experience at the blackboard (oops, “smart board” now), aroma of pencil sharpener shavings, lesson plans, open house, parent/teacher conferences—now, all those things are memories. Do these retirees, before really waking up, get up, dress, grab a bite, lurch for the car to buzz off for the teacher’s parking lot only to realize—hey, I’m retired? This time of year, school seems to be part of our DNA.

 

Since we’re programmed to think “school” these days, lets seize that “mood” and momentum! Plug into Sunday school. “1208” features Antioch, Waymakers, Friendship, Agape, Connections, Youth, and Children’s classes. I’m thinking of firing up a new class for a couple of our young folks. Check out during-the-week Bible studies: Rhema study (Monday mornings). Men’s Bible study each Tuesday evening. This Fall poke in to a Sunday and Wednesday evening study as well. 

 

Homework. Remember? Ok, some do. Since the kids are being “homeworked” we might as well join them. Daily read in our Bibles, or a devotional booklet. Not to do so means our minds, our spirituality, our faith-connect with God and Jesus Christ gradually erodes. Geometry laws/rules? Remember them? Probably not, because they get vague and hazy as we disconnect with our old geometry texts. 

 

As your pastor, I’m advocating joining the kids, and let’s go to “school” too as you and I go back to studying, exploring, probing God’s Word giving ourselves to spiritual disciplines. Unless, of course, you and I already know it all! Hmmm.

 

See you in the Lord’s house Sunday. I’ m thinking The Good Lord will be disappointed if we’re not there.