My husband, Stephen, and I recently decided to implement a stretching routine due to all the new aches and pains we’ve been feeling. (An incident involving a hammock solidified that decision—yes, being stuck in a hammock because you can’t get yourself out is a game-changer!)
After years of working with young people, I’ve come to realize that, unlike my current muscle situation, kids are amazing at bouncing back. Take my niece, for example. She’ll give me a look where I instantly know she needs to talk. It’s a look of urgency (even though it usually means she needs help with the newest TikTok dance) that requires my full attention. And lately, our urgent conversations have been more about her excitement to return to school than what’s the latest trend.
Who would have thought kids would be this excited to return to school? Their eagerness for human contact and in-person interaction is nothing short of a miracle. Here they are as resilient as ever and ready to take on what’s next.
Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
Whether they are entering kindergarten or jetting off to college, there’s a new sense of excitement. Almost as if they know they’re about to change the world.
There is no better time than the present to reach out to the young person in your life and teach them how they’ve been called and set apart. They are excited to know and follow Jesus, determined to be transformed by Jesus, and ready to be on mission with Jesus.
We can only do this together. Let’s go!
