Today’s Reflection
Each reflection this week features a meditation written by teens for other teens. Listen for words of wisdom from another generation.
AS I WRITE THIS, it’s July and I’ll be off to college in less than a month. Last week one of my sisters helped me clean out my closet and sort through my clothing. Yesterday I spent the day packing up music and books. I’m sad about leaving my sisters, who have always been a part of me; my parents, who have always been a source of encouragement and comfort; and my friends. But I’m excited about meeting people with different experiences. I am also at peace, knowing that God will always be right beside me, leading me.
—Elizabeth Campbell, age 19 (Spencer, New York)
Stepping Out on Your Own: Devotions for High School Graduates
From page 35 of Stepping Out on Your Own, introduced and compiled by Kara Lassen Oliver. Copyright © 2010 by Upper Room. Books All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
In what ways can you identify with the emotions and transitions a new graduate might experience? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
—Genesis 28:15, NRSV
Prayer for the Week
Lord, lead me to still waters and restore my soul. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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6 Comments
As a new school year approaches – I wonder what this year’s “class” will look like…what will their study skills look like, what prior knowledge will they bring to my class, how cohesive of a group will they become over the next two years. And my returning class…how will they have matured over the summer – and, now, in year two – with college a year away, how “locked in” will they be. I know who has chosen to do their project over the summer and those who have put it off until this Fall. I enjoy the two dynamics, newness and familiarity.
Warm birthday wishes to you, Andrea. Continuing to pray for your grandson, his development and the parenting skills of mom and dad. It is so good he has your influence in his young, impressionable life.
We are in the process of the same. Yesterday we worked on the closet and got rid of many clothes for donation and packed up clothes and other items. My last child to leave for college and it is bittersweet – I know that she cannot stay here and this is the right path. She is so young and has much growing yet to do. One day she wants to go and the next she says she will just stay home. All this is normal and I know that she is both excited and scared. She is my most sensitive and she has experienced the hardest parts of the break up of the family. Please pray for her as she gets ready to leave in two weeks. Please pray for her strength, her safety and for the peace that only God can give. Thank you all.
Happy birthday Andrea.
Prayers for all on this summer day.
We are you friends in Christ Julie.
Peace to all.
Yes, we are all going through times of change and newness, of leaving old and wondering how to embrace the new. Everyone is experiencing this in one way or another. Many here are experiencing this in a very real sense. Some people, though seemingly settled, would be wise to remember that we are one and all a new creation each morning, wwe should use this knowledge to grow in positive ways. We need to remember that others change over time as well and become new.
Prayers for a wonderful birthday for Andrea. May all in her life be well.
Prayers for Jill and her classes, may all learn from one another.
Prayers for Lou and her college bound daughter, may she find success.
Prayers for success in new home towns for Betsy and Robert.
Prayers for healing for Erich and Marcy.
Prayers for Connie and her hummers. “My” morning doves have returned to keep me company in the morning.
Prayers for Mary and her family. She is such an inspiration to so many.
Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you all UR family members
Thanks Julie for your prayers, kindness and encouragement.
Many years ago when I shifted into the seminary hostel, I was excited and also confident that God will always be right beside me, leading me.
Thank you God for your presence!
Blessings and amen to Julie’s prayers!
Have had the blessing to graduate from schools and colleges. Starting a new school or college was always a challenge, just as starting each new school year
as a teacher was a challenge. Every beginning brings expectations, concerns, things to overcome, and things to appreciate. Thank You, Lord, for each of those starts and the many other beginnings I’ve experienced. With You everything is new.
Happy Birthday Andrea! Prayers for you and Lowell, your grandson, daughter, and son-in-law. Parenting, like life, is a multifaceted task.
Lou, you have done well with your children through very tough time. Prayers for you and your daughter as she goes off to college.
Yes, Julie Christ is with you and Megan and has a plan for you. Abide in God and God will abide with you.
Thank you Mary for constant support to us all.
On the home front the special window for the AC is in place and working well. It’s 90 here and we are staying cool. Thank You, Lord.
Happy Birthday, Andrea!! May you have a wonderful day and year ahead!!
Enjoying this week’s devotions written by an author from another generation. How great to know that God’s family includes all generations and that we share common concerns. Prayers for everyone in our UR family.
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