It's that time of year again. The backpacks are coming out of retirement, alarm clocks are suddenly everyone's greatest enemy, and somewhere a teacher is already saying, "No, you can't use AI to write everything." For students, the first day of school brings a weird mix of excitement, nerves, and the crushing realization that summer vacation somehow lasted about six minutes. This year is a little different for me, though. For the first time in more than 20 years, my wife and I don't have a child heading off on the first day of school. Our youngest graduated this past June, which means we officially survived every kindergarten orientation, forgotten lunch, last-minute science project, and "Dad, I need poster board... tomorrow morning." It's a strange feeling—but I have to admit, waking up and not wondering if someone’s going to be tardy… again… isn't the worst thing in the world.
As you walk into a new school year, you're stepping into more than just new classes and new schedules. You're stepping into new opportunities. Maybe you'll meet someone who becomes a lifelong friend. Maybe you'll finally make the team, join the club, or discover something you're passionate about. More importantly, you'll have opportunities every single day to represent Jesus. Matthew 5:16 reminds us, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Your school isn't just where you learn algebra (or wonder when you'll ever use algebra), it's a mission field where God has intentionally placed you.
Of course, with opportunities come challenges. There will be pressure to fit in, to compromise your convictions, or to measure your worth by grades, popularity, followers, or varsity letters. The world constantly tells you that your identity is based on what you achieve. God says something completely different. Colossians 3:2-3 tells us, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Your identity isn't found in your GPA, your athletic ability, or whether your locker is somehow three miles from your first-period class. If you belong to Christ, your identity is secure in Him.
So as this school year begins, don't just ask God to help you survive it—ask Him to use it. Pray for your teachers. Encourage your friends. Stand for what's right even when it's unpopular. And when the days get stressful (because they will), remember Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Whether you're walking into freshman year or counting down the days until graduation, God is already there. Make this the year that people don't just notice your new backpack or your fresh pair of sneaks—they notice that there's something different about you because you've been walking with Jesus.
Blessings,
Joe Newton | Pastor of High School | Hessel Church | joe@hessel.org