Somehow August came and left without my posting a blog message. I’m hoping the adage “better late than never” applies here. I’ve been deeply engaged in all things back-to-school, from updating my syllabi and assignments, to hearing about and engaging in new initiatives, to welcoming new students and faculty. I hope you are energized and ready for the new start that a new school year brings.
I’ve said before that being a professor makes my life rituals sync well with the academic calendar. My life is largely governed by fall, spring, and summer semesters. If I think deeply enough about it, I can also draw analogies between academic semesters (or seasons) and seasons of spiritual activity. I’ll start with the summer.
Many students don’t enroll in summer semester. Similarly, summer is often the time when people take a break from deep spiritual activity. Congregants take a break physically from church when they go on vacations, but we often also take a break spiritually. The summer is not typically a time for setting new spiritual goals, like having deeper or more regular quiet time (bible reading, meditation and prayer). Conversely, fall is the time when people usually jump back into their routines (just like we jump back into school). We tighten the belt or schedule from the summer and resume regular church, worship or discipleship, and ministry-related activities. Lastly, in the winter season, which typically starts in January, people make resolutions to form new spiritual habits and connections. That includes shaking off any bad habits from the past. Similarly, students come back to school a little worn or cold, but determined to finish nonetheless.
Wherever you find yourself in your annual flow, I hope after reading this you’ll take time to reflect on where you are and where you want to go this month, the remainder of this year, and into the future. How do you see yourself growing spiritually into the future? A habit is started by making a decision, and it’s often strengthened by having community members (church, family, neighborhood, etc.) who walk with you on the journey. I’d like to be a part of your journey and your community. If you’re a college student, consider starting this school year with my devotional “Giving God My Best in College.” Then stay tuned and let me encourage you to stay connected to Christ in college.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
