Sunday, August 20th - Blessing of the Backpacks (Be Still and Know)

We're more than halfway through August, which means one thing: it's time for school to start! This Sunday is our annual Blessing of the Backpacks - the day when we invite the families and teachers of our St. George's School to come for a special service. The kids pile their backpacks on the altar and we say a prayer for the students, teachers, and administrators. 

For the sequence hymn this week, we are singing two of the songs the school kids sing every week in their chapel service. One of them is "Be Still and Know." The words are simple ("Be still and know that God is here"), and the message is timeless. It also makes a perfect prayer for the school year, for students, teachers, and those of us who have been out of school for a long time. 

"God is with you in all that you do." - Genesis 21:22b

When the alarm goes off and you start getting ready for the day - be still and know that God is here.

As you walk down the halls of the school, amidst the noise and chatter - be still and know that God is here. 

As you're grading or planning lessons - be still and know that God is here.

When you're stuck in traffic - be still and know that God is here.

When it's "one of those days" at work - be still and know that God is here. 

When you're stressed out, overwhelmed, and tired - be still and know that God is here.

When you're watching the news and it seems like the world has gone crazy - be still and know that God is here.

Take a deep breath. Listen to calming music. Close your eyes for a second. Whatever it takes to have a moment of stillness in a day full of chaos. Be still and know that God is here.

Happy school year, students, teachers and administrators! (And happy August-is-almost-over, everyone else!)



(Slightly different words here)