Ahhh, September

Ahhh, September. The month in which we have higher hopes for lower humidity. Although this month marks the end of summer, it remains the month of outdoor living as we catch the last days of extended daylight and warm temperatures. At least that’s our idyllic impression of September. It can also have hurricanes…
This is also a very busy month with many festivals, banquets and sporting events moving into high gear. It can be a month when we lose sight of the important things of life in our preoccupation with all the events, and possible obligations, on our schedule. This time of the year is kind of a microcosm of life in general in that we need to call on our organizing skills and self-discipline in order to accomplish all the things that are Important without neglecting what is Necessary. It’s time for priority lists, folks.
So, what is Important? What is Necessary? Important, it would seem, is more of a temporary thing. The dentist appointment, the promise to bake a cake for some one, the thank-you note for a kindness received. Things that can be crossed off the priority list. Necessary, on the other hand, is more or less repetitive and routine. Preparing daily meals, taking the trash out, keeping the car fueled up. Things that never leave the priority list. One would hope that time for devotions – worship and prayer – should be high on our priority lists. In our busyness, the real issue is whether it is on the Important list or the Necessary list. It sounds like we’re talking about a fine line here, but we’re not. We would hope that daily devotions are never crossed off your priority list. Indeed, as Christians, it seems Necessary to prepare for each day and to be ready for prayer at any time throughout every busy day.
Enjoy September. Enjoy the special events of the month. Don’t over-commit and end up exhausted. And keep in touch – with Christ.                                                                                                                                  Virginia                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:4-6