A reading of DT 31:1-8:
When Moses had finished speaking to all Israel, he said to them, "I am now one hundred and twenty years old and am no longer able to move about freely; besides, the LORD has told me that I shall not cross this Jordan. It is the LORD, your God, who will cross before you; he will destroy these nations before you, that you may supplant them. It is Joshua who will cross before you, as the LORD promised. The LORD will deal with them just as he dealt with Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites whom he destroyed, and with their country. When, therefore, the LORD delivers them up to you, you must deal with them exactly as I have ordered you. Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you." Then Moses summoned Joshua and in the presence of all Israel said to him, "Be brave and steadfast, for you must bring this people into the land which the LORD swore to their fathers he would give them; you must put them in possession of their heritage. It is the LORD who marches before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed."
REFLECTION: Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them,for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you;he will never fail you or forsake you.
It is the first week of school. In the last few weeks we have been preparing for it: buying school supplies, uniforms, filling up forms, praying for a great school year...
We are full of hope for them as they start this new school year. We know these are all small preparations for when they truly go "out in the world" and start living their own life.
We tell them one day they will be the ones to change the world and we truly believe they will.
And we tell them that whatever God wants them to do, which path He is leading them into, not to be afraid. He is with them every step of the way.
And as they head towards school my husband and I pray for them. For the world they are part of. And put our hope in God.
