Jimbo's Jots

Here we are! We’re entering kind of a weird part of the year. Are we not?

Think about what is happening in our families this time of year. Some of my friends and family have already started to send kids back to school. Or they are teachers and they are already back in the classroom teaching. College students are moving back to campus or semester starts within the next week.

If they have not gone back to school yet, they are getting ready. Some have started to make the transition from summer schedule to fall/school schedule. We are getting those last week trips in before the business of fall season starts. Maybe they start to transition by getting their bodies on a “school/work” schedule. Meaning, they may start to set an earlier bedtime and an earlier alarm.

It’s also, for me, the exciting time of football starting. Actually, I do like most sports. I still enjoy baseball – Major League Baseball teams fighting for a chance to win the World Series. College football and NFL football will be played starting in the next few weeks. In a month, both the NHL and NBA teams will report and start their seasons.

Now, think back over 2023 so far. What has happened in the year in your life? Maybe you’ve experienced some good and some bad. As summer transitions to fall and we draw closer to the end of the year and the start of another year, do you not find yourself self evaluating and reviewing what 2023 has brought so far?

In Luke 14, Jesus uses two parables to talk about what it takes to follow Him. In these teachings, Jesus is trying to share that we are always looking at what resources we have but also that we are prepared to accomplish what we have as a goal. In that, we also look at the guidance that God offers in our life.

As you are evaluating 2023 so far, open your minds and hearts to seeing what God is doing for you and those who care about most. If there are goals that you had set early in the year that you have still to reach, seek God’s wisdom for the rest of 2023.

Be blessed the rest of 2023! Be a blessing to others along the way!