It was a crazy fun week! Spirit Week at our elementary school calls for a daily dress up and show your school spirit.
Monday it was PJ day. Some literally rolled out of bed and came to school!
Tuesday was “dress like a teacher” day. Fun versions of our teachers walked around all day and some even had the chance to ‘teach’ the class.
Wacky Wednesday meant you could dress as crazy as possible with your outfit backwards, mismatched, goofy and designed anyway you wanted.
Thursday was fancy fashion. Bow ties and fedoras, swirling dresses both of flower girl and movie character type, a few tuxedos, ties and vests and styled hair brought a delightful demeanor not often seen on campus.
Friday was super hero day as we prepared for the afternoon’s fun of Jump Rope for Heart. While the spirit was willing some of the elementary sized flesh just couldn’t get the hang of jump ropes or hula hoops! But what an effort in trying!
There was spirit everywhere. Some more giddy than others. Some with great anticipation of who would get a daily spirit award for the choices they made with their attitude and outfit. Most delighting in participating in the common goal of creativity of the clever daily fashion designs. And great intentional thought given by most as to how to prepare for the next day.
It’s a new week. Time for the Spirit!
I’m guessing a few of us might need a pj day with some rest, an accomplish-nothing retreat, a slowdown day…even if it is Monday! Or maybe you have to push on through looking like you just rolled out of bed!
Maybe some of us will sit in the presence of those we cherish as teachers in our lives. Or maybe you are the teacher and you will listen to those in your circle of influence and delight in the growth steps you observe.
Maybe it will be a wacky week full of the unpredictable, the mismatched, goofy moments that you will either laugh about or you will need to pause, catch your breath and get some balance back again.
Maybe there will be moments of putting on your best when underneath you are feeling vulnerable, disappointed, sad or angry.
You may put on your super hero shoes and
deliver a casserole on the way to the ball field
step up to help during a melt-down
hold the hand of a friend in shock or grief
or see the interruptions to your work as divine.
Whatever the theme of the day, The Spirit of God is hovering over us. Like elementary students, we have the choice about how to participate. We can be full on delighted with the possibilities of the day. Or blend in with minimal effort in our participation.
Ephesians 6:10-19 tells us to get dressed with the full wardrobe of God which is
- the belt of truth buckled around your waist
- the breastplate of righteousness in place
- your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
- the shield of faith that you don’t want to move without
- the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
Remember that when you are dressed, keep praying in the Spirit every day, in every occasion, always alert and praying for all the Lord’s people.
This is the way to win in the Spirit.
This is the way God transforms us into beauty and grace.
This is the sweet way that flavors every life, every occasion.
Every conversation as a hostess. Every invitation to your home. Every attempt to make Mondays matter. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday too!)
This is the crazy fun way to live.
Cindy Gaskins