Well, the time has finally arrived for many of you. Your internal feelings are much like a person preparing for the first game of a new season. You’ve tried to get some rest in the offseason. You’ve spent time thinking about what went well and not so well last year. You’ve worked through the emotions of, “Wow, that’s a tall mountain to climb every year. Can I do that again?” You’ve started feeling the excitement again of the opportunity God has given you to impact young lives. You’ve had your personal pep rally and pep talk, and now you're about to burst through the banner onto the court in front of your screaming fans/students. 

Okay, I know that last sentence was an exaggeration, but it fit the analogy. And, one day, some of your students will be your biggest fans. Not right now, but someday. Even though I am not a teacher, I know your feelings a bit. I’ve taken a little break this summer, and I am actually attending my family reunion this week as I write this. But, starting next Monday, I will begin to run a gauntlet until Thanksgiving. 

Never before has my speaking schedule been so intense. In just one week during this three-month speaking tour, I will speak 15 times in Florida, Ohio, and California. I’ve been praying for the same things you are praying for: strength, health, stamina, passion, and impact. 

Just remember these famous words as you dive headlong into this new school year. “Only one life it will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Also, don’t worry about how it will go or where you will find the strength. If God has called you to it, He will lead you through it. Take a deep breath and smell the roses along the way. Someday, you will look back and remember these days as the good days. They will pass quickly, so soak up every moment and remember, the students you will disciple this year will make an impact on this world for generations to come. My prayers are with you. Thanks for investing your life in this incredible mission of passing on a biblical worldview to the generation that will lead the world for the next 60-80 years.