I need you by my side

31Aug
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; 
let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

Let none who look to you be put to shame;
let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all the day long.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.
Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; 
remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.

Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly.

All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
--Psalm 25:1-10 


It feels as though our summer days have faded, and the new school year is taking shape, students marching in excitement, bright and shiny classrooms and learning. My two sons were definitely holding on to the last few drops of summer - sleeping late and relishing in the fact that they did not having nightly homework. But as the old adage goes. . .all good things must come to an end. As a parent, I admit that I welcome the predictable rhythm of the school year, the schedule and structure. 


As I prepared to write this meditation and read Psalm 25, this line caught me: “Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.” I read that, then reread it and sat with it, let it sink in. Hey, give me some direction, Lord, and show me the way, because I may get lost. I need you by my side. And this is what I need to tell my children, too. They are never alone. God walks the path with us. We can rely on his guidance and strength when we are feeling lost or weak.


Every day that we are alive is a gift.

Every day that we have good health is a gift.

May we spend less time being divided and more time loving and forgiving.

May we always tell each other the good things.

May we love each other.

May we see the beauty in our lives.

May we always see ourselves as a child of God.


For students, teachers, and parents alike, may this season offer an opportunity to grow academically and spiritually. It’s a return to a routine. And may we take this time to find ourselves closer to daily meditation and prayer. Thanks be to God!


Musical Reflection - Teach Your Children - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young


Lord, please watch over our children. Give them confidence, an open heart and a love for learning. Keep them safe throughout their day. Watch over them in ways that I cannot. Be with their teachers and everyone caring for them. Amen.

Guidance

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