School News 4/23/2008

     I believe Coca Cola used to have the slogan “The Pause that Refreshes.” For teachers, an event like the LEA Convocation this week, can be the pause that refreshes. It is an opportunity for worship, fellowship, education, and to re-energize ourselves in our ministry. No, we do not spend our days on the golf course or shopping at the Mall of America. Although there was the year when I was teaching in Arizona, that we had our convention in Las Vegas, and there did seem to be more teachers in the casino than in the sessions. But in general an event like this is, a time to praise and thank God for our ministry, spend time with old friends that we have not seen in a while, learn more about ministry of teaching and caring for the children God has placed in our care.

     As Christians we also need “The Pause that Refreshes,” but where do we find it? The prophet Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings of eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah is very clear, our pause that refreshes comes from the Lord, in Him we will find the strength to face each day. Through God’s Word, daily devotions, Bible Study, and Sunday worship, we learn to trust in the Lord and to lay our cares and worries at His feet. On our own we cannot carry this load but with His help, we are refreshed and renewed to take on those daily challenges. He is our “Pause that Refreshes.” All we have to do is seek His help.