September Scramble

September Scramble. My best friend coined this term years ago as we started a new school year. EVERYTHING seems to ramp back up in September. School is in full swing, but so is everything else – church activities, kids’ sports teams – practice and games, music lessons, dance classes, homework, tutoring, book clubs, dinner plans, and bible study groups, to name a few. If it has earned a spot on the family calendar, it likely starts back up in September. In addition to all this fun, my bestie and I both have kids with September birthdays, so add in attempting to celebrate our beloved children while cursing ourselves for having a baby in this ridiculous (and often sweltering) month.

September often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. This year, my stress about starting a new school year has been replaced with fear about not being enough to take on this new role as Executive Director of School Administration for our beloved PSD. September Scramble means my calendar is a mess, but so is my heart.

I don’t know that it was September, but Joshua was scrambling as the book of Deuteronomy wraps up. Moses will die soon. He’s passing things over to Joshua. Figuring out how to secure the promised land is looking overwhelming. Right now, I can relate to Joshua.

Amid all this uncertainty, Moses speaks these words to Joshua. Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

These beautiful words are for every single one of us as we begin the season of September Scramble. The Lord himself goes before us – even in September. Let’s be courageous and relentlessly hopeful as we enter this new school year. We have a God who promises us His presence – He is with us. He never leaves us. He never forsakes us.

Happy New School Year! Welcome to September Scramble. I’m so glad we’re in this together. Jesus be with you!

Prayer: Dear Lord, You know this season is a lot for us. September Scramble has captured our hearts, homes, and classrooms. Our excitement for this new school year is coupled with the overwhelming responsibilities that accompany being in ministry. Assure us of your presence and your promise never to leave or forsake us. We love you, Jesus. Amen.

                                                                ~Xavria Schwarz, Executive Director of School Administration