I give you a hard time about growing up. Time feels like it speeds by some days, while other days the time crawls like the snails out back on my basil plants. First days like today- first day of high school, first day of eighth grade, first day of middle school, and first day of second grade- these first days make me panic a bit. I feel like I have so many more things to tell you, my dear ones. We have places to go and things to do, but then it is time for you to go. How will I cram it all in before you leave me? I pray my most frequent prayer, “Help, Lord.” And He reminds me. He is the good news, the best news that I can send with you today and every day.
John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Two things to take with you today: Jesus is outside time. See how “Word” is capitalized in John 1:1? It refers to Jesus. This verse shows that Jesus was there in the beginning, with God and was God. He is never in a hurry because He is eternal. He made you and always has time for you. Seek Him.
The other thing I hope you notice is the light. Whatever darkness you face—sadness, fear, loss, anger, embarrassment, boredom, loneliness—please know that the light of Christ can shine there and help you. Let His light mark your path in the dark. “Shine here, Lord,” is a simple prayer and it might seem like a small light, but think about how a single candle chases the dark away.
Be brave and be kind. Know you are loved on this first day and every day.