Beginnings

Happy September!

It seems almost strange to begin blogging again after 2 plus months away from it. So much has happened, from holidays on the east coast to Come From Away in Toronto to preaching on the fruit of the Spirit to a quick getaway to Wiarton and Tobermory. And right on cue, there has been a bit of a chill the last few nights as September begins and all the change that comes with it.

I read an eloquent post on facebook recently and apologize I didn’t note the author. It was about beginnings and endings, especially at this time of year, and how Jesus is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. What a comforting thought that Jesus surrounds all that we are experiencing and knows all about beginnings and change.

As we begin anew, perhaps in a brand new position, with the start of ministries and programs, and as young people return to school or head off to post-secondary education, this is a huge transition time. It can be filled with anxiety for kids, parents, leaders and teachers. It can be filled with worries and unknowns. We had cake and a send-off a week ago at the congregation where I lead worship for a young adult just starting college and preparing to move. She has been on my mind a lot.

As I jump back into blogging, I’m mindful of all of these things and the role that Christian educators and leaders play in helping people transition. The words we say, the encouragement we offer, and the listening ear that is given all make a difference and can really impact our people, and then have ripple effects on those they interact and learn with as well. So what makes for good beginnings?

  1. Trusting in God’s care and provision. We can perhaps help people to let go of holding on so tightly if they remember that they are not alone. Even when change or newness is scary, God walks with us always.

  2. Imagining great outcomes instead of fixating on what could go wrong. What if no one likes me? What if those really challenging kids are back? What if I hate it? Well, what if you like it so much you don’t want to come home? Or you wish you could do more or you see opportunities to show love or you realize that many people care about you and want to help? We can assist in identifying possibilities and opportunities.

  3. Listening and helping troubleshoot concerns. A parent of a child with a peanut allergy is allowed to be pretty concerned about how this will be managed in your programs. A youth with epilepsy or a learning disability or anxiety disorder is deserving of our time preparing a plan with them so that they feel safe and included within the community and not centered out. Our attention to needs makes everyone’s path smoother.

  4. Praying with and for leaders, parents, participants, grandparents and all people who are part of your ministry. No doubt you know some kids who will struggle with back to school for a variety of reasons. Let your people know you are praying for them, that they can ask for specific prayers and that you can help them pray their own prayers too.

  5. Taking care of yourself and breathing, remembering that God has got this. We may not understand why things fall into place as they do, we just get to run with it doing the best we can. Prepare and train as much as possible leading up to your kick-off of programs and Sunday school and then just breathe and ask the Spirit to take over. You have the best cheering section in the universe (see Hebrews 12:1-2), so let God work in and through you and your team.

God is with you, whatever your role is. Even in the midst of the daily chaos in the news, the stresses of others and the demands placed on you, God offers you the peace of Christ. Don’t miss moments to be still and know it and soak it in.

May God bless you in these first days and weeks of a new season, a new beginning and a new opportunity to bless and nurture people who you are called to serve.