Back To School
August 25, 2017The return to school brought many mixed emotions last week here in Muscatine. Some students were dreading the new routine of early mornings, homework, and regular bedtimes. But on the other hand, many parents were excited to get back to the school year norms that provide a break in planning and preparing activities so the charges don’t get “bored”. A recent cartoon strip captured this sentiment by depicting a mom trying to pry her son off a tree to push him on the school bus.
In honor of the students going back to school, consider some things in your life that you need to get “back to”. A lot of us look back at yesteryear as the prime time of life. Part of that nostalgia stems from the fact that as we reminisce, we tend to forget the struggles we had.
A thoughtful review reveals some things we have left behind. Hospitality has become almost non-existent. Not too many years ago, it was common for families to go visiting in other’s houses. Contrast that with a young parent who told me, “… if you stop by my house, I won’t answer the door.” Would you agree that a return to hospitality would help restore the warmth of previous generations?
We have also grown increasingly polarized in our attitudes towards those who don’t share our political persuasion. Let’s get back to a respect for our fellow man. The tension between opposing views is what keeps our democracy afloat; each side serving as a restraint for the excesses of the other. Don’t let your party affiliation, personal habits, or the news media devalue others. Paul sets a standard for our interaction with other Christ Followers in Galatians 3:26-29. The pastors of past generations would say, “Read it and Heed it.”
Going back to school seems easy when compared to getting back to these disciplines. Don’t let difficulty stand in the way doing something worthwhile. When you do, you’ll never regret it.
Pastor Dave
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