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The first day of school for Horry County students is tomorrow, August 18. My grandchildren in different parts of the state and country have already begun. Others will not begin until after Labor Day. For some reason, this date usually takes me by surprise.

I remember those first days of school – as a student and as a parent. There was so much excitement, mixed in with a little bit of anxiety.  Since we moved around a good bit when my daughters were small, there were frequently new school and new friends jitters to accompany the usual apprehension.

And yet…there was always the opportunity for a fresh start. No matter how well or how badly the previous year had gone, the first day of school brought new chances along with the new challenges. This year I won’t wait until the last minute to begin a project. This year I’ll try a new extra-curricular activity. This year I’ll go to bed earlier, so I’ll be ready to roll in the morning. Of course, it didn’t always work out as I had planned it, but it was good to have an opportunity for a re-set.  And sometimes, it actually worked out.

It has been a while since I was in school, but I have not stopped learning. There is something new every day. Frequently that new thing comes in the form of technology. I really need to get up to speed on Artificial Intelligence, with all its possibilities and pitfalls. The wonders of God’s creation continue to amaze me. I learn more than I ever thought I would know about dinosaurs from my grandson, and reading always gives me new insights and perspectives.

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be life-long learners. The more we read and pray and study, the more God reveals to us of who God is and who we are. Jesus’ primary task on earth was to teach about the unfolding Kingdom of God in us and among us. There is never a graduation day for those of us who seek to follow in the way of Jesus.

As this new school year begins, I pray that it will bring a fresh start for those of us whose school days are in our rearview mirrors. Is this the time to begin a new discipline of reading, praying, or studying? How can we help to support you to take your next faithful step? Let us know and we’ll see where God might be leading us.

Blessings for the journey,
Pastor Mary Teasley