Inspire

Bible Verse:

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

And just like that… the school holidays are over.

Lunchboxes are being packed again, hats are being hunted down from the back of the wardrobe, and there’s a good chance someone in your house has already said, “Do I really have to go?”

Yes. Yes, you do!

But as much as it can be a bit of a jolt getting back into the school routine, there’s also something special about Term 4. It’s the final chapter of the school year – full of excitement, sunshine, sports day, swimming week, the Christmas concert, class parties, and all kinds of memorable moments.

It’s also a term that tends to fly by. Before we know it, we’ll be hearing Christmas carols in the shops and wondering how it got to December already, although many shops have their Christmas displays up already!

So, in the middle of all the Term 4-ness, it’s worth slowing down just a little to notice the simple blessings – the little things that make each day a gift.

Things like:

• A smooth morning (even if it only happens once a week!)
• A piece of artwork proudly wanting to be put on the fridge
• A warm afternoon on the playground
• A child’s smile at pickup time
• A dinner where nobody complains about the veggies (miracles do happen)

God doesn’t just work in the big, impressive moments. He’s in the everyday ones too — the quiet hugs, the shared giggles, the sticky fingers, the bedtime stories. The Bible reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” That includes the busy school terms, the messy family dinners, and standing with a lunchbox whose entire contents have been eaten. 

As we begin this final term of the year, may we enter it with grateful hearts — for the routines, the chaos, the small victories, and the ordinary joys that remind us just how present God is in our everyday lives.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the holidays, rest, and the opportunity to start a new term. Help us to notice the little things and be thankful — even when life is busy. Bless our families, our schools, our children, and the weeks ahead. May this term be full of joy, growth, and lots of simple, beautiful moments. Amen.

Submitted by Marisa Cameron