New year and new air

It's here at last! Today was Clay Co. first day of school. I've not talked with any of my youth yet but I'm sure that the day was full of hopes and aspirations as well as a few disappointments. If it wasn't, they probably didn't go to school. I can just imagine that a few would have liked to sleep in and probably would have if given the chance. The different years of school have personalities all of their own, especially on the first day. Sixth graders and freshmen all have the same basic look to them: an open-mouthed, wide-eyed look of wonder and amazement at how much bigger this place is than "my old school". Fear is definitely present and is sometimes covered by the guise of toughness or flirtiness (for guys and girls, respectively). Sophomores and seventh graders all have the (misguided) assumption that they know it all, having been there for one year already. They are quick to speak and give advice to those new up-and-comers, but usually have a knack for getting in to trouble and sticking their feet in their mouths. Juniors and seventh graders share a bit in common in that they know they are no longer the lowest on the totem pole but they aren't to royalty status yet. The junior year has a tendency to be the hardest for most, for some reason. Finally, Seniors and eighth graders have made it to their respective tops. They have paid the dues, done the homework, endured the lectures to finally take their positions as the ones to be hailed and looked up to. If you're a student and find yourself discribed here, whether you like it or not, make the most of your stage in life and don't wish it away.

My day has gone well. I now have an air-conditioner that works! I think it's a good thing, too, since it's warmed up in the last week. And it looks like we'll have a great evening ahead of us for the Big Deal swimming party. Cool.

Proverbs 18:1 says, "An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgement". There are a couple other translations I want to point out as well. The New American Standard says, "He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom". And the Message says, "Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good". As I started thinking about this, I got visions of monks and hermits sitting on deserted islands (well, not the monks). As I continued, I remembered kids who would sit by themselves at lunch, usually not by choice, and eat in solitude. I don't think that any of these things is what is at the Bible's heart on this subject. It seems to indicate a thought out, purposeful withdrawal from those surrounding a person. Friends, family, loved ones, etc. are all put on the back burner of this persons mind in order to pursue personal gain. The Bible says that this flies in the face of all that is right and sound. It isn't logical, ethical, moral, or even nice. I think that's why we're made to be people in community. We need one another. We can't go it alone. The body of Christ is emphasized in the New Testament for a reason. So, when you see someone you know that might need a friend or a kind word, be there or say it. If you find yourself faced with a person asking if you're ok or need a hand, have the presence of mind to know that you just might need it.

See you tonight at the Wilkinson's for the Big Deal swimming party. 6:00-8:00 pm. Jr high bring drinks, Sr High bring snacks.
Youth Sunday is Aug. 29. If you want to be involved, let me know.
NMC Windows of the World is Oct. 1-3. There will be a sign up sheet posted soon.

Later...