FROM DEACONESS JESSICA’S DESK:  

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ!

Change?  How will you handle it?

       As I’m writing this, today is Faith and Heath’s first day of school. Last night as they were getting ready for bed Faith was telling Heath about how prepared she was for school. She told him how she had “the best” outfit picked out and how she was going to greet all of the new students at their school, etc. Heath, on the other hand, with a smirk in his voice responded by saying that he was going to wear something to school he never had before, “a blue Trinity shirt and tan shorts (giggle), I never wear that.” They have school uniforms. LOL! Then he admitted that he had no plans for school tomorrow and basically thought it was hilarious that Faith did. Mike and I sat at the dining room table chuckling at them and how different they are.  

       As I listened to these two characters talk though, it made me realize how differently we all respond to change and the anxiety that comes with it. Faith is very much a planner and likes to handle the situation. Heath, tries to let it roll off his back, and deals with the anxiety in quiet.

       A new school year brings change for not just our children though, it brings change to parent’s lives as they take their kids to and from school, as they worry about how their child’s day is going and how they can possibly make it to all of the other activities that their child has going on that day. Parent’s world turns to a whirlwind of business and it only gets worse as the child gets older.

       Our kids going to school also affects grandparents as some grandparents help with this transportation, and may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of words their grandchildren can say in the car in those few short minutes.  

       Oh…and wait…our community is affected by school starting too as I am sure we have all noticed the increased traffic in the morning and afternoon.  

       Change happens. It happens all the time. Sometimes we know it is going to happen and we are able to mentally and physically prepare for it, and sometimes it is like we were hit with a Mac Truck when it happens so unexpectedly.

       What does the Bible say about how we are to handle these changes:

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Psalm 18:2 – “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “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.”

       Here is the thing, while we know we are not to worry or be anxious…not about this school year or anything else that may be happening in our lives…we are also human and often struggle with this. So now what…when we are so concerned about what is happening what should we do to get re-centered?  

       BREATHE! Breathe slowly, then pray and ask God to help you to be strong and courageous. Breathe slowly, and ask God to cover you with His armor so that you can stand strong in the challenge ahead of you. Breathe slowly, and remember that God is protecting you like no one else can. Breathe slowly and remember that God’s love for you does not change. His love for you is the same yesterday, as it is today and will be tomorrow. No matter what happens, He is with you and will help you through.  

In Christ!

Deaconess Jessica Feldmann