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Blowing bubbles. Drawing with chalk. Running through the sprinkler. Splashing in puddles on rainy days. Getting sno-ball stains on your shoes and mosquito bites on your ankles. These are classic memories that scream summer to me. And you know what? They’re all still possible, even in this crazy summer of 2020! (Sorry about the mosquito bites, tho.)
I know this summer most likely isn’t going as you planned. This whole year isn’t going according to my plan, either. But God’s got a greater plan, and, thankfully, He can make something out of all of this. Something good. And that gives me hope! I hope it encourages you, too.
As we do our best to make the most of what’s left of this summer for our own families, we’ve got an opportunity to extend that hope to our community, too. And boy, could we all use a little more of that these days. Diane shared that she has a favorite word: YET. Why? Because it’s only three letters, and it’s so full of hope. I love that! We can be full of hope because of God. He is in control, and He is faithful. How can you share that hope with those around you, by moving in the grace and love of God? It could be something as simple as leaving cold bottles of water on your porch for delivery drivers and postal workers. Or taking a prayer walk around your neighborhood. Or using that chalk to write encouraging messages on the sidewalk. In fact, the Bible is filled with words of hope and encouragement.
As we make this a summer of hope, we can have a hopeful outlook on what’s next, too. We’re all wondering what this school year is going to look like and how we’re going to manage whatever that is. I don’t have a clear answer on that, but I CAN pray. Will you join me? Let’s pray that God would give us wisdom and peace. That our decisions won’t be driven by fear. That we’d have grace for each family’s needs, and that the right decisions would be made for each child. Pray for those educating our children. Pray for the teachers, administrators, counselors, support staff. And once you’ve made your decision, pray for release from anxiety. Ask God to help each of us trust our children’s learning, health, safety and future to Him. In fact, the LifeSongs Prayer Schools will be returning soon, and we’d love to pray specifically for you and your child’s school, whatever that looks like this year. Nominate them here.
2020 will be a year that stands out to us forever. Thank you for being part of making this very memorable 2020 a time of HOPE! Won’t it be great to look back on this year in the future and see all that God did?! (Plus, those sno-ball stains will probably still be there, too.)