“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
The first day of school is a difficult day for everyone involved. Students, parents, teachers and staff are all learning a new schedule and a new routine. With so many people involved, confusion often happens. That is exactly what happened when a young 1st grade student was not put on the bus in Union Township, Ohio. Instead, this 6-year-old attempted to make the one mile walk home.
Skyler Smith and her mother were driving home from school when they spotted the little girl walking along the busy street. They could tell she was scared and was terrified to cross the street. Skyler Smith, a middle school student, told her mom that they should give the 1st grader a ride home. Skyler’s mom told her that they did not know her and should not pick her up.
Watching the dangerous situation from the passenger seat, Skyler told her mom, “Stop the car. I’m going to walk with her.” She exited the car and approached the young girl. They quickly became friends and began the journey home, together. Everyone made it home safe that day because of a wonderful act of kindness.
There are many things in the world that are overwhelming to us. Like a 6-year-old walking home from school, we can be terrified by all that is going on around us. They journey of life is difficult, but when we realize that we do not make the journey alone, it can be a much less difficult journey.
The Bible repeats one significant promise across its many page; God is with us. God promised His people as they journeyed from the wilderness to the promise land, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God speaks the same promise to us, His children, today. We are not alone. God is with us wherever we go.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
