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School is officially back in session across our area.

As backpacks zip up and children file out the front door, headed to school, parents may often look back at the summer that was.

Memories that were made, reflecting on how quickly they seem to be growing these days, and looking to see how many summers we have before they head off to college, trade school, or start their own families and careers.

Just like we reflect on our lives with our families, it’s equally important to look back on our lives as believers. As we grow in our faith, we often take new ground. But let’s be honest, as we walk through life, some things get lost. Some things get stolen or misplaced. I would bet that if you’re anything like me, as you look back on your life, there are some areas you used to have victory over, and there are areas that brought you joy.

But somehow, along the way, that ground was lost, and you need to take it back.

I think the best example of this is reclaimed wood. You see it everywhere as you drive around.

It might be an old barn that is one storm away from falling to pieces. At one point, it was new, strong, and steady. Over time, storms, wind, weather and pressure abused the wood until everything fell apart.

Then one day, a carpenter walks along and sees this wood and reclaims it. And with skill, he repurposes it, and all of a sudden, the wood that was lost now has a character, a depth, a beauty and a richness to it.

You can’t manufacture what it is today because it was the journey of life that gave it that depth and character. The same is true for you and me.

As we walk through life, the storms and pressure will abuse and break us down.

But when you dare to reclaim what was lost, it becomes better than it was in the first place, because there is a richness and beauty to it that did not exist before.

So, as you reflect on your journey of faith, think about those areas that brought you victory, and do not be afraid to go back and reclaim them, in Jesus’ name.

Because when you get it back, it will be even better than it was before.

Greg Armstrong is the lead pastor at Lakeside Christian Church in Shell Knob. He may be reached at lccskminister@gmail. com.