September’s Smile - Irresistible!

When Shakespeare penned “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” he gave words to Juliet’s angst at saying good-night to Romeo. So why re-invent the wheel? I’ll just borrow his sentiments as I bid farewell to August.

Yes, August in Texas is notorious for summer’s fiercest blast of heat, one last trip to the lake squeezed in before the kids have to be in bed at a decent hour, and back-to-school pandemonium.

But August, you have my heart. Three of my biggest life celebrations fall within the confines of your dates. The boyfriend and I get to celebrate our wedding anniversary – 42 years since we gave each other our “I do’s” before friends, family, and God Himself. My Christian birthday follows a few days later – 44 years since the day I gave a humble, hearty “Yes!” to Jesus. And before the month is up, my “countaversary” rolls around – 14 years of giving a daily “Thank You!” to the Lord via a numbered list of His kindnesses and mercies.

By the time August closes shop, my heart is a happy kind of tired – so much emotion and joy all because God has given me a wonderful husband, a new life in Christ, and countless gifts along the way.

The page of my planner flips, and September greets me with a smile. It’s a bit of a reset. The lazy, unscheduled robe of summer is packed away till next year. The autumn sweater of routine and schedules and early sunsets slips gently over my shoulders. Despite the “sweet sorrow” of leaving August behind, September feels good and cozy.

Most welcome on my calendar is the circled date when fall Bible study begins. I’m eager to gather with others who hunger to know God through His Word. I’m anxious to hear about the Holy Spirit’s work in each of our lives as He reveals truth to us in our various circumstances. I’m excited to discover and depend on more of God’s promises in Scripture as we explore it in community.

There will be other appointments and activities to fill my days – important time with important people in my life. There will be days full of what I think my plans should be – only to have them interrupted by God’s sovereign, good hand. But what brings meaning no matter what the days bring is the Word – revelation of God’s identity, purposes, plans, and promises.

September’s smile is for you, too, friend. It beckons you to embark on a journey with the Lord through study of His Word. Will you say “yes”? Churches and Bible study organizations all over the world are kicking off their fall semesters in the next week or two. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to jump in. You just need a hunger to know God more deeply. Grab a friend, and sign up together. I mean – who can resist September’s smile?

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“I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word. Do good to Your servant, and I will live; I will obey Your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for Your laws at all times.” – Psalm 119:15-20