Live Each Day, One Blessed Day at a Time

The start of a new school year marks an exciting new beginning. That is especially true this year as we embark on a new normal after experiencing over eighteen months of a once-in-a-century global pandemic. COVID-19 has caused our youth to be disconnected and isolated. It has also caused many young people extreme anxiety and depression – not to mention the tremendous loss some have witnessed and endured during this very difficult time.

It is undoubtedly difficult to be a young person living through such unprecedented times. My advice to our youth is to just try and control what you can control! That means practicing things like visualizing yourself being successful in your school day. Create a homework routine, practice stress-relieving exercises and incorporate quiet time into the beginning, middle and end of your school day to meditate and or pray. It also means focusing on the present because every day is a gift. That's why it is called the present. Scripture supports this practice:

Matthew 6:34

 “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.”

So focus on controlling what you can control. Look forward to each day as a gift and an opportunity — an opportunity to live, to learn, to love and to be the best you can be.  Live each day, one blessed day at a time, because each day is truly a gift from God!

I am praying that the new school year will be filled with peace and exciting new opportunities for our students to learn, grow and prosper. When times get tough, I invite our youth to recite this prayer and trust God to guide, protect and deliver us through our anxieties, hurts, and fears:

Creator God,
Come be with me today.
Fill my heart with joy.
Fill my mind with serenity. 
Fill my classroom with peace. 
Fill my lessons with fun. 
Fill my friendships with kindness. 
Fill my surroundings with your protection.
Fill my school with your love.

Amen.

By Minister Ronald W. Howell
Minister Howell has served as a Youth Minister in Chicago. He is currently CRS’ Board Treasurer and owner/operator of Howell Capital Trading.