New Beginnings

If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. Deuteronomy 11:13-14 (NLT)

The last few days of summer always seem to be jam-packed with to-do lists mingled with an underlying current of nervous anticipation. Even as I listen to reports of uniforms, lunchboxes, and new teachers from to my two grandgirlies, there is still that urgency to get in one more day of swimming. Tori starts first grade and is a bit apprehensive. She loved kindergarten but anxiously approaches a full day of class and homework assignments each night. Kate, a seasoned student entering third grade, loves school and can hardly wait. Would you believe that my daughter had the same teacher as Kate will have when she was in the fifth grade? Where does the time go? New beginnings generate excitement for all of us. In the desert, October is the start of our season, after the return of the snowbirds. Even now, I am ready to begin something new. God promised us that the seasons of our life would be prosperous if we obey His commands. My girlies will soon learn the meaning of following directions and the consequences of not paying attention. The Master Teacher also gives me homework assignments and I want my report card to reflect obedience. As my girlies complete their homework each night, I know that I must read His Word and spend time in prayer so that I will hear His instructions. And when I do, He promises that He will send the rains so that for there will be a harvest of love symbolized in the grain, the new wine of truth, and olive oil of gladness. So, are you ready to head out the door? Lunchbox? Notebook? Bible?