By Jeremy Case, Head OF School

And we’re back! The first day of school always brings excitement and anticipation, but it also marks a significant shift. As summer fades and a new school year begins, it signals a change in the schedule, pace, and rhythm of our homes. 

Alarm clocks now sound earlier. There are lunches to pack and projects to complete. Perhaps you’re wishing for a few more summer memories or perhaps you’re celebrating having your kids out of the house and back in the classroom under someone else’s supervision. Perhaps it’s a mixture of both.

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO US IN TIMES OF TRANSITION 

In preparation for this year, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on all God has shown me throughout the past year at Perimeter School. Last year, I taught our eighth grade students through the book of Joshua, reflecting on the story of God’s faithfulness to His people. 

The book of Joshua opens with the transition from the greatest leader the nation of Israel had ever known. Before Joshua was Moses, and Moses was awesome! He’s the guy who led the people out of slavery. He’s the guy who met with God on the mountain.

Scripture doesn’t tell us what Joshua’s internal narrative was or what the Israelites were thinking. Immediately in verse 1, God begins speaking to Joshua and His people, shifting their focus to the central theme of His faithfulness. 

It isn’t about what Joshua is thinking or what the Israelites are feeling, it’s about who God is and what He is doing for His people. 

God says in Joshua 1:8-9, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God brings into focus the centrality of His Word, the promise of His presence, and His provision for His people.

Growing in faith through Meditating on and memorizing GOD’s WORD

Meditating on God’s Word fixes our eyes on Jesus and makes our gaze steadier, clearer, and bigger. Memorizing His Word renews our minds to believe, obey, and belong in fellowship with God and one another.

This year, we continue the tradition of memorizing and meditating on God’s Word together. I pray that as we journey through this year, our focus on 1 John will tune the rhythms of our hearts to delight in Jesus and steady our gaze to see the joy of our fellowship together. This is not just a school assignment for our children; it’s a means of His grace for our families.

NURTURING OUR FAITH THROUGH THE RHYTHMS OF OUR LIVES

Now that the scramble of getting school supplies, ordering uniforms, and the countless other items on your back-to-school list has subsided, what do you want the rhythm of this year to be in your home?

Deuteronomy 6 outlines God’s plan for nurturing faith through the natural rhythms of our life. If we want our children to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7), we must teach them and show them what that looks like together.

I pray that as we memorize and meditate on scripture together, our covenant community will seek a rhythm which resonates with the light and love of Jesus, amplified by our fellowship with God and one another. 

Although as parents we won’t always get it right, God always does.