trbccoffeebreak

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a(NLT-italics mine)

This is my second year not being involved in the new school year rush. I am a mom of 6 grown adults, and I was a teacher for many years, so I still catch my breath when I walk by the school supplies! I have to remind myself this is not part of my life anymore! It was such an important and special time for me in so many ways, and I treasure the memories and the blessings those years brought.

It would be easy to stand at Target bins and feel sad. I miss my teacher friends and the school world that I knew and loved for so long. Yet, God showed me my teaching leg of the journey was done, and I had to hand off the baton. He did not call me to stay in teaching elementary school, but He did call me to stay in His race.

When I left, I was not completely sure what the next lap entailed. Slowly, He has been showing me. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is to stay laser focused. To keep my eyes on Him, our Champion, who reveals things to us one step at a time. To not get caught up in the “everythings” but to wait on Him and keep the main thing the main thing. Even on the days when it feels like I am not moving forward, time spent with Him is building endurance and reminding me to keep my eyes on Him.

August and back to school bring so many opportunities, and our time begins to get filled for us. As we are shuffling kiddos, adapting to new teachers and schedules, or settling in for summer’s end, may we be intentional, laser focused on keeping our eyes on Jesus. That may look like the audio Bible while you put on your mascara, an encouraging playlist in the car to worship as you go, scripture notes in lunch boxes-theirs or yours, memorizing verses by yourself or as a family over breakfast, or pausing ten minutes early before bed to read scripture.  Whatever it looks like for you and yours, He is worth it. Stay laser focused on Him.

By the way-isn’t it cool that the picture above shows the laser as a cross?! I did not even plan that:)!

“Father, may we keep you front and center each day. Help us to build our lives around You and not just fit You in.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life