I always love October because it means change is in the air. The days get shorter and the weather gets colder (hopefully!). All of us, I think, begin to anticipate the holiday season because we can probably all use a break from the routine and every day humdrum of life. Most students are fully emerged in academics, athletics, and other extracurricular activities, from marching band to theater performances. Moms and Dads are busy with work or keeping the house in order or the family functioning on all cylinders. Thanksgiving and Christmas break can't come soon enough! However, there is one routine I hope you have not skipped out on and will continue to make a priority, even during the holiday breaks: Connecting with the community of God.
As you know, teenagers are highly social creatures. Even when they are grounded they still find a way to connect with their friends. Let me encourage you to use that need to your advantage. Encourage your student to connect with other students here at Pathway during our youth group meeting times. Every Sunday morning is an opportunity for your student to connect with his or her peers, and to be poured into by one of our adult mentors. Our midweek gathering is another opportunity for your student to connect socially and have a positive outlet. Connecting with peers weekly on Sunday morning and either Tuesday or Wednesday night (high school and middle school, respectively) should be a part of their weekly routine (no matter how much homework they have!). Let the change of the season and breaks of the holidays bring some relief to the every day routine; do not let that be an excuse for you or your student to change your habit with connecting to God's family. If a change is to be made, let it be for your student to connect more with what God has going on for them among their peers and church family. God bless!