I always have a sense of dread as August rolls around. Mostly I think it’s the nervousness that has stayed with me since I headed off to Kindergarten. When I see all those cars heading south down Lincoln Ave. going to the University of Illinois residence halls, I suddenly get nervous. I look at the young faces sitting beside their dads and moms in those cars and vans, and I just really want everything to work out well for those young people. I so hope those young adults will make good choices.
August also feels me with a sense of excitement, too. Let’s face it. August is almost always an emotionally charged month. Everything seems to crank up at break-neck speed after a seemingly peaceful summer. Kids are getting ready to head back to school, not just at the University of Illinois. Sports and music and Church programs are starting back up. Emotions are on edge.
Here’s a litttle encouragement from the book of Romans. Don’t be afraid to show emotion this month. The Apostle Paul says it this way: “When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.” Romans 12:15 If you are feeling as I am, youre emotions will be right out on your sleeve this month. Don’t be afraid to feel. And then, as Paul also says, “Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.”
As our Vineyard offers to be a community of hope in East-Central Illinois this fall, here’s a prayer for the church I found this week that I encourage to pray for our Vineyard:
“Gracious Father, we pray for the Vineyard as August gives us a sense of new beginnings. Fill our community of hope with all truth. Fill it with peace. If there is any corruption, purify it. If there is any error, correct it. If there is anything out of order, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it. Where it is in want, provide for it. If there is any division, reunite it. Inspire our witness for Jesus throughout East-central Illinois, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection. Father, do this for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son and our Savior. Amen.”
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