In Missouri, today is the first day of school for most districts, and it’s a day that I always look forward each year. Now, it’s not because I have children in the house finally going back to school after the long summer break. It’s because I LOVE to see all of the “first day of school” pictures on Facebook.
I remember well taking pictures of my girls while they were waiting for the bus when we lived in Tennessee. Those backpacks were loaded down with all of the school supplies on “the list,” and they usually had a lunchbox because you never know what they’re going to serve in the cafeteria on the “first day.” There was so much anticipation and excitement that many had a hard time going to sleep last night because it’s a new year – a new classroom, a new schedule, new teachers, and new friends to make. But, guess what? It’s not just a “first day” for teachers and students.
There is an old adage that says, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life,” and that’s so true. Today, you have the opportunity to start spending more time in God’s Word. Do you “delight in the law of the LORD; and in his law do you meditate day and night?” (Psalms 1:2). Have you “written on your heart every word that you might not sin against Him? (Psalms 119:11). Today, you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life. “As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Are you remembering those who are sad or lonely? What can you do? Today, you can make the decision to change what you think about. The music that you listen to, the televisions shows that you watch, and even the computer games or sites that you frequent – are they affecting your thoughts? As Paul told the church in Philippi, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, thing on these things” (Philippians 4:8). If you are not a Christian, “behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2b). Do you need to “Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord?” (Acts 22:16b).
Today, truly is the first day of the rest of your life. Are you excited about the possibilities that this “new day” can bring? Happy First Day! Simply blessed, Courtney