Jesus is Always with You

by Pastor Daniel

Hello Friends,

Well the week that some of you have been dreading or have been anxiously waiting for all summer has arrived: the start of a new school year will commence in just a few days! Here in Oblong, school starts on Friday, August 19, 2022, and you can certainly feel the school spirit in the air as the community gathers to support the children, the teachers, the librarians, the music teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, janitors, and those involved in the school system. Whether we want to realize it or not, the beginning of school is just a few days away.

Thinking about my first day of school, and I believe I talked about this day in last week’s post, I remember the excitement and fear that I had as I walked to my Aunt and Uncle’s house to get on the school bus for the very first time. I was excited for this new adventure, but at the same time I was really scared: seeing kids bigger than me, not knowing who I was going to sit with, leaving my parents for nine hours, and doing things that I have never done before. I was scared. Thinking about that day today, I realized that there was no reason to be scared. I was going to a safe place with wonderful people who were trained to protect me and show me kindness. I was going to a place where fear was replaced with fun and adventure. And I was going to a school that was known for its willingness to see and hear all of its students. But I was still scared.

Were any of you scared on your first day of school? If you are still scared today about returning to school, I want you to remember this: that you are never alone. Your parents are always in your heart and so is Jesus. We are reminded in Scripture that we are not to be afraid because Jesus is holding our hand. Jesus is never going to leave you. Even when you do something wrong and get in trouble, Jesus is always there. Even when you decide not to listen to your teachers, Jesus is always there. Even when don’t know what to say or you can’t figure something out, Jesus is always there. And even when you feel scared, Jesus is always there. If I would have known that I was never truly alone on my first day of school, I bet I would have been able to experience that day without any fear.

As you get ready for the first day of school, a day of new adventures, challenges, and uncertainties, remember that Jesus is always with you and he is never going to stop loving you, caring for you, and protecting you. Jesus is going to do exactly what your teachers have promised to do which is keep you safe and cared for. I hope you all have a scare-free first day of school!

Your Friend, Holy Spirit!

Pastor Daniel