It was the blessing of the backpacks this morning—that annual tradition in many churches when students and teachers bring their backpacks and book bags to the front of the church to be prayed over the day before school begins. And bring them they did! People of all ages streamed toward our pastor to add their bag to the pile on the floor in front of the communion table.
The sound of rustling bags and tinkling “flair” hanging from zippers was interrupted by the best sound of all. One of the youngest students (who was not even twice the size of his backpack) loudly admonished, "Hurry mommy! Hurry! Let’s go!” as he raced to join the others.
May we all hurry forward with such zeal and enthusiasm to receive God’s blessings of our year ahead. Amen.