Back to School, Back to Purpose

Every step back to school is a step toward purpose.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
— Ephesians 2:10

Here in Florida, we’re already a couple of months into the school year. We’ve watched backpacks bounce on the shoulders of our children, grandchildren—and for a blessed few, even great-grandchildren. Each backpack, each morning drop-off, each sharpened pencil is a quiet signal: a new chapter is unfolding in their young lives.

But this season isn’t just about them. It’s also a fresh start for us—their mentors, encouragers, and spiritual guides. Our hopes for their success are renewed, and so is our calling to remind them what true success really means.

We often say, “It’s not like it used to be.” And we’re right. Our “social media” was a rotary phone with an upstairs extension, and our entertainment came from three TV channels. Our days were filled with school, sports, piano lessons (at least in my house), and maybe a part-time job.

Today’s youth navigate a digital jungle—scrolling through curated lives of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Arch Manning (I wrote this before he and the Longhorns tanked against the Gators), or Princess Kate. They’re bombarded with images of perfection, fame, and filtered happiness.

But here’s the truth: God didn’t create us to be copies of someone else’s highlight reel. He created us to be vessels of His grace—uniquely gifted, divinely purposed. You don’t need to be a pop star, a quarterback, or royalty to make a Kingdom impact. You just need to be you—rooted in Christ, walking in faith, and living with intention.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
— Romans 12:1

Let’s teach our young ones—and remind ourselves—that while scholarships, accolades, and worldly success are good, they are not ultimate.

The world offers glitter; Christ offers glory.
The world offers distraction; Christ offers direction.

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you... Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
— Proverbs 4:25–27

So as we enter this school year, let’s pray not just for academic achievement, but for spiritual alignment. Let’s encourage our children to embrace their identity in Christ, to use their gifts for good, and to live lives that reflect the One who made them.

Have an AWESOME week being God’s greatest creation—YOU.

Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley