Throughout my formative school years, life seemed to be determined by the bell. This sound signified the beginning and end of classes, as well as the beginning and end of each school day. The familiarized ring became a background soundtrack to life.
There’s something about the start of a new school year that takes me back to those sweet days of fresh pencils and Trapper Keepers. I can still hear the Velcro scratch!
In 2025, I miss those days while also remaining so grateful for where I am at this stage of life. And, I still feel compelled to start each “school year” fresh, ready to learn, and awaiting life’s next set of lessons.
This year, I keep thinking about my whole self, and how I can improve my mental, physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual fitness. Every day, am I committing myself to growth? Am I purposefully fueling and caring for my mind and body? Above all else, am I leaning closer to Jesus?
As parents, it can be so easy to fall into the trap of getting caught in the hustle and bustle of the school year, work, activities – and let some of the most important things in our lives remain on the sidelines. I am encouraging my fellow Mamas, and myself, to take a hard look at what matters most and make a list of our priorities for this new year. What’s on the list? Do we need to celebrate, or reevaluate?
Ultimately, I hope God will be at the top of our list and center of our lives. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) states, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
The remainder of the list may look different for each of us, but our intentional commitment to structuring our lives in the most God-honoring and authentic way can make a big difference in where we find ourselves next August.
Wherever you are, whatever life stage you are in, I am praying over this next year for you. If you are in a season of joy and plenty, I pray you will approach each day with an attitude of gratitude. If you are in a desert or valley season, I pray you will find God’s comfort and peace in the journey. This may sound simplistic, but I feel strongly that knowing God is near each and every day keeps our eyes fixed on Him, keeps our hearts in a scriptural posture, and keeps our minds focused on what we have been called to do with our lives.
When you hear the bell ring this year, what will you do?
Rooted in Grace and Grit 