Thursday thoughts: Preparing for the first day

Jill Johnson

Every day can be a first new day with God.”

My four granddaughters who live with us started school today. I mean it is July 30, which is crazy early to start school. I remember back when school began after Labor Day, but don't even get me started on that.

This has been a crazy-busy week, with many things to prepare and plan before school starts. The girls are all excited about the new school year. They have notebooks with fresh, crisp notebook paper packed inside their new backpacks. There are mechanical pencils, folders, scissors, and other supplies all included in their backpacks. There have been many hours spent picking out the first day of school outfit. They have spent time making sure everything is ready because we all know preparation matters.

I have thought about all the time that goes into the preparation for not only the first day of school but also the first day of a job, a marriage, or even retirement. The question God kept putting in my mind was, how much time do we spend preparing our hearts for each new day? Just as the girls have new supplies to equip them for school, God gives us everything we need to equip us for each day with Him. He supplies us with wisdom from His word. He also supplies us with the Holy Spirit to guide us through each new day. We have worship music and Christian podcasts to listen to that can lift us up and give us daily hope and encouragement.

Here are some thoughts I have on preparing. First of all, a new backpack is great to carry all your supplies, but it will always be only God who can carry all our burdens. Psalms 68:19 says, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." God doesn't just help once; He helps day after day. He provides us with strength when our load is heavy. Backpacks carry books, but God carries our burdens.

Another thing I thought of was how much time is spent picking out the outfit for the first day of school. We look for just the right color and fit to feel good about ourselves and enter school with confidence. I was reminded that our identity is not found in how we look; it's found in who we are - a child of God. God is the creator who knit us together, knows all the days of our lives, and every hair on our heads. He says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Clothing trends will change, but God's love for us never will. The best outfit isn't what you wear; it's knowing whose you are. You are God's beloved child. We can plan our outfits and organize our days, but it is only God who can direct our steps.

A new school year might be starting today, but a new day with God starts every single day. I want to remind my grandchildren that as they prepare their backpack, they also need to prepare their hearts, filling them with the love of God. I want them to look their best as they put on their new outfit, but I also want them to clothe their mind, body, and soul with God's character.

I also pray that as they plan their day, they will be aware of the fact that only God can direct their steps. These are all things I want to remember as well. Let's walk into each new day carrying God's love in our hearts, His character in our lives, and trusting Him to direct every step we take. Every day can be a first new day with God.

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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.